I am a current Board member of SAEP USA and former volunteer and employee of SAEP SA (2011-2014). Upon joining the organization as a volunteer, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately felt part of the team. SAEP treats everyone -- staff, beneficiaries & supporters -- like family. Living in South Africa, I saw first-hand the hardships that individuals living in Cape Town's townships face on a daily basis. No child deserves a life without pathways to meaningful development, and SAEP is truly a beacon of light for those that access its programs. I remain impressed by the dedication of the staff and founders, the resiliency of the organization and the incredible impact on young people in Cape Town's most-under-resourced areas.
If you are looking for a small organization to support where your dollars will go a long way, this is it. US donations are tax-deductible and granted regularly to SAEP-SA.
Review from Guidestar
In 2011, I joined SAEP as their Arts Program Coordinator. The moment I walked in the door, I was immediately impressed by the dedication of the staff and the multitude of ways that SAEP makes an educational impact in the townships surrounding Cape Town. Through my position, I was given a chance to really see the hardships facing the learners that SAEP works with, and also to see the ways that SAEP helps these learners move forward with their lives in a positive way. I now serve on the Board for SAEP and continue to support their mission to educate and empower underserved youth in South Africa.
I am a former Board member. This charity is run by two very dedicated individuals who, at times, have taken from their own funds to keep providing extraordinary and inovative services to young people in the black townships around Cape Town, South Africa. Many of the services are provided by volunteers, thereby keeping expenses down. Administrative expenses are kept very low (look at the tax return) and the emphasis is on creative ways to help young people with lots of inherent talent overcome their environmental circumstances and succeed despite the overwhelming odds. I have no doubt that the young people helped in this program will be leaders in South Africa in future years--and that is important. Take a serious look at this charity. I think this is the kind of charity that people are looking for when they come to Guidestar for guidance.
Review from Guidestar