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JA Worldwide Ranks in the Top 100—and the #1 Nonprofit—on Fast Company’s Annual List of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators in the World

JA Worldwide Ranks in the Top 100—and the #1 Nonprofit—on Fast Company’s Annual List of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators in the World

by | Aug 21, 2022 | News

[Accra, Ghana], August 2, 2022 — Fast Company today announced its fourth annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, honoring organizations and businesses that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to encouraging innovation at all levels. JA Worldwide enters the top-100 list for the first time, earning the #1 spot for nonprofits.

 

Developed in collaboration with Accenture, the 2022 Best Workplaces for Innovators ranks 100 winners from a variety of industries, including computer science, biotech, consumer packaged goods, nonprofit, education, financial services, cybersecurity, engineering, diversity, sustainability, B2B, and consumer products and services. Fast Company editors and Accenture researchers worked together to score nearly 1,500 applications, and a panel of eight eminent judges reviewed and endorsed the top 100 organizations. The 2022 awards feature workplaces from around the world.

 

According to Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide, “the JA network of teams has built a workplace culture that embraces innovation, digital transformation, and generous sharing of resources and talent. Throughout the world, we’ve collaborated on several projects, including JA Labs, JA Worldwide Fellows, Youth Voices, and so much more.” Also, Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa said “I am so proud to work for such an incredible organization with a rich history of developing young people to make change happen across the world. If you are an innovator looking for a great place to work, I highly recommend JA.”

 

“This year’s list of the Best Workplaces for Innovators recognizes organizations that have demonstrated a deep commitment to cultivating creativity across the board,” says Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “In the face of powerful headwinds, these leaders and teams continue to spur innovation.”

 

To see the complete list, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list

Fast Company‘sBest Workplaces for Innovators issue (September 2022) is available online now, and the print issue will be on newsstands beginning August 16, 2022. Join the Best Workplaces for Innovators conversation using #FCBestWorkplaces.

 

About JA Worldwide

As one of the world’s largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide delivers hands-on, immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship, sustainability, STEM, economics, citizenship, ethics, and more. Reaching more than 12 million young people each year through nearly half a million teachers and business volunteers, JA Worldwide is one of few organizations with the scale, experience, and passion to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Visit us at jaworldwide.org.

 

About JA Africa

JA Africa has a presence in 13 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and collectively we reach more than 300,000 youth in more than 3,000 schools each year. JA Africa Works in Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Visit us at ja-africa.org

 

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at fastcompany.com.

 

About Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud, and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Technology and Operations Services, and Accenture Song — all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 710,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners, and communities. Visit us at accenture.com.

5 Reasons why Financial Literacy is important for young people in Uganda

5 Reasons why Financial Literacy is important for young people in Uganda

by | Aug 19, 2022 | Financial Literacy, Opinion

There are five key reasons why financial literacy is so crucial for young people:

 

  1. It’s a critical life skill that everyone should learn.
  2. Ugandan youth need to develop good money management habits.
  3. They need to plan for their future financial security.
  4. The need to understand credit, debt, and how to save money.
  5. The need for young people to build a bright financial future.

 

By understanding these reasons and learning how to manage their money wisely, young people can set themselves up for a bright future.

 

A critical life skill that everyone should learn.

 

There are several reasons why financial literacy is critical for young people. Firstly, it is a key life skill that everyone should learn. With the current state of the economy, knowing how to manage money is important to stay afloat. Secondly, financial literacy can help young people make sound decisions with their money. With a good understanding of personal finances, they can avoid making poor choices that can have long-term consequences.

 

Thirdly, financial literacy can empower young people to take control of their finances. When they understand how money works and how to manage it effectively, they are more likely to be able to achieve their financial goals. Fourthly, financial literacy can help young people to build a solid foundation for their future. They can set themselves up for a more secure financial future by learning about money.

 

Finally, financial literacy can help young people to better understand the world around them. With a good understanding of personal finances, they can make sense of the news and events that impact the economy and their lives.

 

Ugandan youth need to develop good money management habits.

 

With the current state of the economy, it is more important than ever for young people to develop good money management habits. In Uganda, youth make up a large percentage of the population, and their financial literacy can significantly impact the country’s economy.

There are several reasons why it is important for Ugandan youth to learn about financial literacy and develop good money management skills:

  1. Understanding personal finances can help young people make informed decisions about how to use their money. This is especially important in today’s world, where many ways to spend and save money.
  2. Financial literacy can help young people avoid debt and build up savings. This is important because debt can be a major financial and emotional burden.
  3. Financial literacy can help young people plan for their future. This includes planning for retirement and short-term goals such as buying a car or starting a business.
  4. Financial literacy can help young people protect themselves from scams and fraudsters.

 

These reasons highlight why it is essential for Ugandan youth to develop good money management habits. By doing so, they can make informed decisions about their finances, avoid debt, save for their future, and protect themselves from scams. Financial literacy is an essential life skill that will benefit young people in Uganda and worldwide.

 

Future planning and financial security.

 

When it comes to financial security in the future, young people need to start planning now. The earlier they start saving and investing, the better off they will be. There are many reasons why financial security is important:

  1. It can provide peace of mind in retirement.
  2. It can help young people protect themselves from unexpected life events.
  3. It can help young people achieve their long-term financial goals.

 

Starting to plan for future financial security may seem daunting, but young people can take several simple steps to get started. Firstly, they should ensure that they have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Secondly, they should start saving for retirement as early as possible. Thirdly, they should create a budget and stick to it. Fourthly, they should invest in themselves by taking courses and learning about personal finance. Finally, they should seek professional advice when necessary.

 

By taking these steps, young people can financially set themselves up for a bright future. They can achieve their goals and live a comfortable retirement life. Financial security is an important part of planning for the future and it is something that all young people should be aware of.

 

Understanding credit, debt, and how to save money is important.

 

One of the most important aspects of financial literacy is understanding credit, debt, and how to save money. This is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, understanding credit and debt can help young people make informed decisions about how to use their money. Secondly, it can help young people avoid getting into debt in the first place. Thirdly, it can help young people manage their money more effectively. Finally, it can help young people achieve their long-term financial goals.

 

There are several ways that young people can learn about credit, debt, and how to save money. One way is to take a personal finance class. Another way is to read books or articles on the subject. Finally, young people can talk to a financial advisor about their situation. By taking these steps, young people can develop the skills to manage their money effectively.

 

The need for young people to build a bright financial future.

 

The need for young people to build a bright financial future is more important than ever. With the current state of the economy, young people must learn how to manage their money correctly. Financial literacy can help young people make informed decisions about their finances, avoid getting into debt, and plan for their future. There are several ways that young people can learn about these topics, such as taking a personal finance class, reading books or articles on the subject, or talking to a financial advisor. By taking these steps, young people can financially set themselves up for a bright future.

JA Worldwide and JA Africa Announce Partnership with Z Zurich Foundation to Create Bright, Boundless Futures for African Youth

JA Worldwide and JA Africa Announce Partnership with Z Zurich Foundation to Create Bright, Boundless Futures for African Youth

by | Aug 13, 2022 | Education, News

Z Zurich Foundation (ZZF) announced today—International Youth Day—that it will partner with JA Worldwide and JA Africa, building on relationships already established with JA Canada and Junior Achievement España (JA Spain). ZZF has made a strategic decision to venture and fund Africa, and has chosen us, Africa’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGO, JA Africa, as their implementing partner.

This three-year partnership will enable thousands of youth to access JA programs to set them on the path to success, not just as individuals but as leaders who will influence positive change within their communities. The partnership will also enable JA Africa to expand existing operations in four countries, and launch operations in five new countries.

According to the African Development Bank, each year, 10 to 12 million African students finish their education and compete for three million jobs, resulting in sub-Saharan African youth becoming entrepreneurs by necessity, not by choice. The ZZF-JA partnership empowers young people in Africa to succeed as both innovative job creators and well-qualified job seekers, following the path best suited to their economic realities.

“The partnership integrates the education and economic ecosystems of the countries in which we work,” said JA Worldwide CEO Asheesh Advani, “leading to long-term sustainability. Over the course of the next three years, this partnership will impact the lives of more than 550,000 young people across nine countries—Burkina Faso, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda—resulting in greater capacity in four current JA Africa countries and brand-new operations in five more.”

 

Grégory Renand, Head of Z Zurich Foundation, agreed. “JA is best known for utilizing volunteers to deliver educational experiences. We are very proud of this new partnership, delivering interventions and skill-based expertise with the aim to create brighter futures in Africa, building on impactful programs we’ve already built with JA around the world. The Z Zurich Foundation’s expertise on social equity and mental well-being nicely complements JA’s track record in building resilience and self-efficacy in more than 12 million young people every year.”

 

JA Africa CEO, Simi Nwogugu, has led efforts in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa for more than 25 years. “Many young Africans are entrepreneurial by nature,” she said, “but may be limited in their ability to develop solutions to the challenges around them and capture value from those solutions. The ZZF-JA partnership will help African youth develop the resilience, problem solving and design-thinking skills, and mental well-being they need to understand the complex problems in the region and design sustainable solutions, and mentorship will play an important role.”

 

“Exposing Africa youth to Zurich Insurance Group employees as global mentors,” Nwogugu continued, “as well as to JA Africa alumni and role models such as Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, who has founded not one but two unicorns in Nigeria, will help build the critical social skills and confidence necessary to validate their ideas and communicate them to a global audience of funders and clients.”

 

The announcement was made today at an event through which members of African media were able to ask questions, with a special interest in scaling and fast-tracking entrepreneurship education in Africa. The panelists noted that Z Zurich Foundation, JA Worldwide, JA Africa, and JA member countries in Africa are working to create a new breed of partnership that develops an ecosystem of role models and mentors, who work with youth through a mix of high-tech digital learning experiences; low-tech options like television, radio, and podcasts; and face-toface experiences. Then, after students graduate, regional and local vehicles that either match students with employers or help youth launch businesses through incubators and seed grants.

 

“For Africa to be successful as a continent,” said Nwogugu, “all our youth need access to immersive education that leads to economic success. Through this partnership, we’ll create entrepreneurship ecosystems that work together to fuel young Africans to become changemakers, creating businesses that solve the continent’s challenges with climate change, food shortages, and inadequate infrastructures for health and education.”

 

About JA Worldwide

As one of the world’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide delivers hands on, immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship, sustainability, STEM, economics, citizenship, ethics, and more. Reaching more than 12 million young people each year through over 400,000 teachers and business volunteers, JA Worldwide is one of few organizations with the scale, experience, and passion to build a boundless future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Visit us at jaworldwide.org.

 

About JA Africa

As one of Africa’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA Africa has a presence in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and collectively reaches over 300,000 youth in more than 3,000 schools each year. JA Africa works in Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Visit jaafrica.org for details.

 About Z Zurich Foundation

The Z Zurich Foundation works alongside Zurich Insurance Group employees and other stakeholders as well as with governments and NGOs in pursuit of a future where people can thrive in the face of increasing climate hazards, where those of us feeling the stresses of life are empowered to speak up, and where the marginalized in our society can reach their full potential.

The Z Zurich Foundation is a Swiss-based charitable foundation established by members of the Zurich Insurance Group. It is the main vehicle by which Zurich Insurance Group delivers on its global community investment strategy. Visit the Z Zurich Foundation’s website to learn more about its work: https://zurich.foundation.

 Contact

Mujeni Aseli

Director, Marketing and Partnerships

JA Africa

[email protected]

JA Worldwide and BASF announce Youth Voices for Sustainable Future, Innovation Challenge for a Just Transition

JA Worldwide and BASF announce Youth Voices for Sustainable Future, Innovation Challenge for a Just Transition

by | May 23, 2022 | News

With climate change being one of the most urgent challenges facing society, BASF has launched a partnership with JA Worldwide and eight JA member nations to encourage young people to contribute to a just transition and a sustainable future. Today, young people make up over 40% of the world’s population.  With a profound shift toward a greater emphasis on building sustainability in all facets of life: the economy, the environment, and society, we are obligated to actively engage young people in this dynamic transformation. Through this collaboration, BASF joins JA in its abiding belief that youth must play a central role now as we build a just and sustainable future. 

Thanks to this new global partnership, JA Worldwide and BASF aim to raise awareness among young people about climate change-induced consequences for their communities and the need for climate adaptation and a just transition. Through their participation in Young Voices for a Sustainable Future, and thanks to the support of more than 40 BASF volunteers from around the world, 800 students from Brazil, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Uganda, and Vietnam will ideate and innovate creative solutions to ensure a more just and sustainable future for the planet.

Dr Christoph Jaekel, Vice President Corporate Sustainability of BASF said that “it is a great honour to team up with a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, to help amplify the voice and power of the youth and the role they play in sustainable development. We are convinced that by offering such opportunities to young people, we will help contribute to building better communities throughout the world”. 

Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide, praised the partnership and said, “Young people want to be part of tomorrow’s solutions, especially when it comes to global challenges such as sustainability. We are delighted that BASF wants to hear their voice, involve them in finding solutions to shared issues, and give them an opportunity to contribute to sustainable development.”

Junior Achievement Uganda

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ABOUT JA WORLDWIDE

As one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide prepares young people for employment and entrepreneurship. As one of the world’s largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA delivers hands-on, immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship, sustainability, STEM, economics, citizenship, ethics, and more. 

Reaching more than 12 million young people each year through nearly half a million teachers and business volunteers, JA Worldwide is one of few organizations with the scale, experience, and passion to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

The impact of JA’s learning experiences goes beyond the lives of individual students. For over 100 years, JA has operated all over the world, even in areas of political instability, violence, and war, ready to help students through the unemployment, poverty, and hopelessness that stem from such conditions. 

By helping youth develop the employment and entrepreneurial tools to find meaningful work and start sustainable companies, JA serves as a conduit for peace and prosperity. Through JA, young people are equipped with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.

Our network of 500,000 business mentors and teachers deliver economic empowerment to youth at scale: Every year through JA, millions of young people, ages 5 to 25, are equipped with the mindset and skillset to build thriving communities.

FedEx, Citi Foundation and Others Support Youth Entrepreneurship as JA Africa Hosts 11th Company of the Year Competition

FedEx, Citi Foundation and Others Support Youth Entrepreneurship as JA Africa Hosts 11th Company of the Year Competition

by | Feb 24, 2022 | News

Media Contact:
T: +233 577 680 373
[email protected]

February 21, 2022, Accra – JA Africa’s Company of the Year Competition (COY) returns for the 11th edition from February 24 – 26, 2022, bringing together Africa’s most impressive high school entrepreneurs for this contest of business skills, ingenuity, and innovation. COY 2021 will be hosted virtually by JA Mauritius under the theme ‘Innovating with Grit.’ The theme is inspired by students who have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in overcoming setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses that have survived the pandemic are those that were able to innovate and adapt quickly to new systems and processes that enabled them to continue serving customers despite school closures and other challenges.

 

The competition, organized annually, is the culminating event of the JA Company Program, which is a 16 week-long business training program that equips young people with entrepreneurial and employability skills needed for career success. Working in teams, the students develop their business skills by starting their own companies while in school. They design, produce, market, and sell their products and services, giving them real-world exposure to the world of business.

 

“We are grateful to our headline sponsors FedEx and Citi Foundation, who have supported this competition from inception eleven years ago,” said Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa. “Our partners from PMIEF and Tomorrow Foundation have enhanced the Company Program by infusing it with project management principles and digital skills training to better prepare our beneficiaries for the future of work.”

 

Nine teams have emerged as finalists from Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and will battle to impress JA Africa’s panel of judges comprising global business professionals to earn the coveted title of Company of the Year and the prizes that come with it. The highest among the prizes at stake will be the opportunity to represent the Africa region at the Ralph de la Vega Global Entrepreneurship Competition which will bring together COY winners from the six regions where JA Worldwide operates to compete for awards, $15,000, educational opportunities, and more.

 

For information on how to watch COY 2021 online, visit www.ja-africa.org/coy2021.

 

JA Africa:

Junior Achievement (JA) Africa equips young Africans with the employability and entrepreneurial skills and mindset they need to build thriving communities. Through the delivery of financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship training and in collaboration with schools, technical/ vocational centers and other partners, JA Africa works in 13 countries reaching over 250,000 youth each year. Learn more about us at www.ja-africa.org.

FedEx Corp:

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $90 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its 600,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit about.fedex.com.

 

Citi Foundation:
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach deploys the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation.

Tomorrow Foundation:

Tomorrow Foundation supports African development. They harness technology and bring the most useful techniques and technologies affordably to all Africans to improve their living standards and boost the economies of African countries.