On December 1st, 2023, CAFOR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ashagari Charitable Organization. Based in Addis Ababa, this non-profit and non-governmental organization with a strong focus on women leaders and youth is entirely led by women and youth. The Ashagari Charitable Organization aims to empower and equip individuals and communities to unleash their potential. Through their work with youth, women, and various categories of leaders, they strive to build a society that values its culture and is dedicated to transformative change. The organization reaches thousands of individuals through training and dialogue sessions and has successfully engaged approximately 900 disadvantaged individuals in job creation. CAFOR welcomes Ashagari as a partner and looks forward to closely collaborating with them over the next five years. Our joint projects will encompass advocacy, education, and, most importantly, supporting Ashagari’s culture-focused initiatives to promote a deeper understanding of African culture and its positive influence on societal growth. The Ashagari Charitable Organization (ACO) aims to inspire and empower young generations, nurturing their minds, character, and skills to become agents of positive change and impactful contributors to their nation. ACO is a dynamic youth organization that envisions educated, empowered, prosperous, and self-sustaining youths and communities nationwide.

As we move into the exciting year of 2024, CAFOR’s Executive Director, Dr. Lawalley Cole, and staff in Addis Ababa and elsewhere in Africa take this opportunity to extend our warmest New Year greetings to all our partners, friends, and colleagues. May the year ahead be filled with brightness and prosperity for everyone. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities and progress that lie ahead in the African Union’s declared Year of Education in Africa.