Makolekole, Zambia
We Invest in Human Rights
Clean Water
Ready access to clean water is essential for good health, education, employment, the environment, the economy, and gender equality.
The AJA Foundation is committed to providing water in rural African villages that, due to their remote locations and smaller populations, would otherwise go without.
Quality Education
In today’s global and increasingly digital economy, the ultimate level of education achieved is most determinative of upward economic mobility and self-sufficiency. For economically disadvantaged children, education is the only way to change their socioeconomic paradigm.
The AJA Foundation invests globally in organizations providing hands-on, multi-year educational pathways to degrees or technical certifications beyond high school.
Fundamental Healthcare
In the developed world, many diseases are easily treated and many conditions are easily prevented because basic healthcare is accessible. This is not true in the developing world, where access is limited or worse.
The AJA Foundation supports medical clinics and other initiatives that provide healthcare to populations in the developing world that would otherwise not be served. As a result, babies and their mothers are healthier, and many common medical conditions are easily treated or prevented altogether.
Spotlight on Water
Access to clean water correlates to better health, more education, gender equality and a stronger economy.
2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. This disproportionately impacts women and girls, who typically bear the burden of collecting water, and young children, who are most vulnerable to a myriad of serious health issues.
2.2 billion
Lacked access to safe drinking water in 2022.
447
Children do not have access to water at school.
300,000
Children under five die every year from issues related to unsafe water
AJA Foundation Commits to Providing Water to One Million People by 2035
In 2009, Andy Astrachan traveled to Mfuwe, a remote village in Zambia, to participate in the restoration of a collapsed well. That rehabilitated well provides water to approximately 300 people.
In the 15 years since, the AJA Foundation has partnered with UNICEF on two multi-year initiatives that have resulted in 275,000 people having direct access to clean water in Guinea. The Foundation has also provided water to 25,000 people living in rural Zambia in partnership with Makolekole.
Our next step is “Water 2035”, the Foundation’s announced plan to provide the funding necessary for an additional 700,000 people to gain access to water by 2035. When completed, the total number of people who will have gained initial access to water through our Foundation will be 1 million.
Mfuwe, Zambia
Our Impact
$13.6 Million
As of September 30, 2024, AJAF has awarded 429 grants, totaling over $13.6 million.
152 organizations
AJAF is proud to support the impactful work of 152 different organizations. 49 recipients have received over $20K, representing 95% of all donations.
Do you Qualify?
We prioritize funding organizations that focus on creating a sustainable impact. If your mission aligns with our values and areas of focus, we would like to hear from you.
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