every dream within reach
OUR MISSION:
To build infrastructure that enables rural youth of all ages to develop skills, explore the world, and take an active part in shaping their future.
OUR VISION:
A future where all young learners have the tools and experiences they need to excel in any path they choose.
The Johnson Ndebele Opportunity Initiative is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that connects young learners to the infrastructure and learning experiences they need to thrive.
We believe children are catalysts of change in the world.
We aim to equip rural youth with the tools they need
to dream big and build bigger.
We support young learners by putting enriching learning experiences within reach. We focus especially on youth living in rural communities with limited access to infrastructure and programming.
We believe that expanding opportunity for youth means providing access to the tools and infrastructure that enable collaborating as equals in building the digital future. Our initiatives target playful discovery, experimentation, leadership and digital skills development, along four access points:
OUR IMPACT
We started operations in Silobela, a rural district in southwestern Zimbabwe. We are constructing new buildings for Sibangani Secondary School, where some students have been learning outdoors. Our goal is to provide all the infrastructure---classroom buildings, electricity, water, and internet---and learning technologies needed to make Sibangani an effective stepping stone for bright and ambitious students to launch careers that will change the world.
In 2019 we bought materials and hired a construction team; by the end of 2022 we completed a library and science classroom, a school chapel, and teachers' housing and an administrative block that means students at Sibangani can now take their national exams locally instead of traveling to the next district.
ACCESS TO LEARNING
Building spaces for learning in rural and remote parts of the country including classrooms and labs.
ACCESS TO PARTICIPATING
Funding solutions to material barriers that limit opportunities for under resourced youth to learn such as books, school uniforms, and project-based learning activities.
ACCESS TO THE WORLD
Providing internet access, electricity and infrastructure that enables connectivity and collaboration.
ACCESS TO A DIGITAL FUTURE
Connecting students to computers or smartphones and other tools for making, exploring and inventing.
"It takes a village!" The whole community got involved in laying the foundation for the buildings and unloading building materials. The students chipped in, carrying timber and roof tiles to the building site after classes.
INSPIRED?
Donations are a great way to show your support. Each dollar helps more children reach their potential.
$10/month ensures one child has internet and electricity access for one month
$25 helps us build classrooms and provide STEAM project-based learning
$100+ puts digital devices in the hands of each child so they can make, explore, and invent
2022-2023 special fundraiser: A portion of funds collected this year will go towards offering night school at Sibangani to help the students' mothers create a community business that will reinvest in the school.
With your support, we are able to deliver on our mission to build a future where curious young learners can thrive, connect to the world,
and excel in any path they choose.
DONATE
Your donation will fund our continued work and expansion in Zimbabwe.
Click the "Donate" button to make a contribution with PayPal or your credit card.
We will provide more payment methods in the future.
As an alternative to PayPal, you can send a donation
via Cash App to
$JNOIdonate
via check/cheque to
Johnson Ndebele Opportunity Initiative
P.O. Box #8121
San Jose CA 95155
We organized a drive to collect books, school supplies, and clothing in Houston, Texas. Next, we coordinated shipping of all the materials across the Atlantic and transportation from the Zimbabwean-Mozambican border all the way to eager arms in Silobela. Once the books reached their destination, the mothers in the community were the "muscle", that organized efforts to unload the shipping container.
Our next step is equipping the school with a full science laboratory: makers kits, microscopes and so much more!
BE AN AMBASSADOR
Spread the word about how we can help rural youth have a fair start to their bright futures.
BE A CONNECTOR
Introduce us to opportunities for funding or partnerships at your local organization.
BE AN ORGANIZER
Coordinate a drive in your community to collect books, clothing, shoes and school materials.
CONTACT OUR TEAM:
staff (at) jnoi (dot) org
