Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project

A refresher for all our community members, new and old! The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project advances and invests in the health, education, and safety of young people living in Southern Africa to create a more equitable future for all. We support transformative, locally-led change by partnering with community-based organizations – our Program Partners – that support young people, their sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence prevention. Learn more about CTAOP and our Program Partners' work, sign up for our email newsletter, make a donation, check out our merch store, create a peer-to-peer fundraiser, and more by joining us at ctaop.org 💛

As we head into a pivotal election here in the U.S., leaving these beautiful words from one of our Program Partner leaders right here as a crucial reminder of what life is all about: Mutual respect and care. Our ability to thrive is bound together. #Ubuntu

Our hearts sang as we watched this new short film on trust-based philanthropy from Trees, Water & People (TWP). This movement shifting power into the hands of those most impacted who are creating change in their communities only continues to gain ground, and we have so much hope for the future of social change work. In TWP's words: "Discover how trusting communities to lead the work can shape the future of philanthropy in our latest film, “In The Right Hands.” 🌟 https://lnkd.in/ejFUFswF

Climate change is one of the most pressing crises of our lifetime, with nary an issue area it doesn't touch –– but did you know that it is even a threat to Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR)? Climate change drives millions of people every year to lose agency over the safety and health of their own bodies – and it's only getting worse. 🔻 Climate change causes HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to rise by disrupting health services and access to them; causing economic strain, food insecurity and malnutrition, displacement and migration; as well as decreased HIV treatment adherence, increase in transactional sex and sexual violence. 🔻 Climate change causes an increase in sexual and gender-based violence, via a general decrease in safety and security. Through displacement and migration, economic strain, and poor mental health, there is a rise in exploitation, abuse, and child marriage, and increase in intimate partner violence. Shoutout to YLabs for putting together this phenomenal review and resource on climate change's impact on SRHR. Visit climate-srhr.org – the Climate Change x SRHR Evidence and Action Hub to get the latest data, solutions, and tools to take strategic action.

CTAOP's Youth Leaders Scholarship program encourages the Scholars to develop a "Changemaker Project": An opportunity for them to manifest their passions and enable positive social change, while also honing project management skills and leadership experience. YL Scholar Innocenciah recently completed her Changemaker Project, which was a university admissions informational event at a secondary school in Mpumalanga. Having had access to resources through Imagine Scholar during her own university application process, Innocenciah "recognised the need to bridge the gap and ensure that more students have the opportunity to apply to universities and understand the application process." Over 50 grade 12 students attended, who were in her words "open-minded and curious". We're SO proud of you for bringing the possibility and opportunity of university to these students, Innocenciah!!! 

Our very own Chief Program Director Lorrie Fair Allen will be facilitating two Catalyst 2030 sessions on Trust-Based Philanthropy (TBP) this month – next Tuesday October 22nd, and the following Tuesday October 29th, alongside Mary Ellen Cunningham and Alison Nakamura Netter! Tune in for an in-depth exploration of values-driven, systems-based approaches to cultivating trust in philanthropic relationships, and how TBP transforms philanthropic practices and fosters profound personal, professional, and organizational growth. 📅 Register here for the October 22nd session: https://bit.ly/3yzFssA 📅 Register here for the October 29th session: https://bit.ly/3SIHRYU

Today, we celebrate International Day of the Girl by honoring the resilience, strength, and boundless potential of girls and young women around the world. While it’s essential to shed light on the challenges they still face—from limited access to education and high rates of HIV infections to abusive practices like child marriage—it’s equally important to recognize their dreams and actions towards a brighter future. This year’s theme, “Girls' Vision for the Future,” reflects the hope and courage held by young women even in the face of great adversity. . It's up to all of us to support their dreams and ensure they have the tools, safety, and opportunities needed to lead, innovate, and create a world that is just, inclusive, and equitable. We proudly amplify their voices and fight for their rights—because when girls rise, we all rise 💛 📸 of CTAOP YL Scholar Onesimo by Bulumko Gana

World, meet Jade. This may be the first time you hear from her, but we are certain it won't be the last 🚀 We had the great fortune of meeting this special young leader while visiting CTAOP Program Partner Amandla Development during our pre-Summit Partner visits. Watch to hear from Jade the phenomenal accomplishments she's achieved, how she found herself as a young recent graduate in South Africa, the impact being involved with Amandla has had on her life so far, and the impact SHE'S been able to make on other young people. Amandla Development, you've got bottled lightning in this one ⚡️⚡️⚡️

ATTN: Are you a community-based organization in South Africa working to combat gender-based violence & femicide (GBVF)? The End GBVF 100-Day Challenge, funded in 2025 by Ford Foundation, is a phenomenal opportunity to build upon the success of the Challenges that have been run since 2021, alongside other changemakers working to make South Africa a safer home for ALL. Share, learn more, and apply: https://lnkd.in/dNismauh

"We are color, we are bright, we are loud, we are proud, and we stand for the protection of ALL bodies." CTAOP Program Partner Philisa Abafazi Bethu - Family Center, which means "Heal Our Women" in isiXhosa, advocates for and serves survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence –– and they do it with joy, fortitude, and hope. Based in Lavender Hill, Cape Town, they provide medical, counseling, and legal support to survivors of gender-based violence and other abuse. Founded in 2008 by Lucinda C Evans, PAB also runs two safe houses, with one specifically for those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Other work centers around providing alternatives to joining gangs, offering programs for youth in and out of school, and a feeding program for woman-headed households, older adults, those living with disabilities, children, and young people. Hear from Lucinda, other team members, and those served by PAB on what makes the organization a "pillar" for the community. https://lnkd.in/e2dU9GME