The African Children's Educational Trust

The African Children's Educational Trust (A-CET) is a United Kingdom-based charitable organization dedicated to supporting the education of vulnerable children in Africa, primarily focusing on Ethiopia. Registered under charity number 1066869, A-CET operates with the aim to alleviate poverty among disadvantaged children, including orphans, the disabled, and abandoned youths, by providing long-term, self-sustaining educational opportunities.

History and Mission

Founded in 1997 by David Stables, A-CET works to foster the development of African communities through education. The charity emphasizes education as a critical tool for breaking the cycle of poverty by enabling young Africans to achieve their potential. A key part of its mission is to support children from kindergarten through higher education and into employment or self-employment, thereby offering them hope and enhanced life opportunities.

Activities and Impact

A-CET delivers its mission primarily through two core activities:

• Provision of individual scholarships to vulnerable children, ensuring access to sustained and quality education.
• Upgrading and constructing community elementary schools, particularly in rural areas, to improve local educational infrastructure.

By 2012, the trust had successfully built or upgraded nine schools in Northern Ethiopia, significantly enhancing educational facilities in underserved regions. The organization closely partners with local education authorities and communities to implement its programs effectively and respectfully.

The charity maintains a hands-on approach by personally knowing scholarship students and their backgrounds, providing assistance with dignity and sympathy. Through its Education for Youth Empowerment Scheme (EYES), A-CET supports hundreds of vulnerable young people with long-term scholarships and access to free education.

Governance and Operations

A-CET is run by a team of experienced, competent, caring, and committed volunteers and is governed by a board of trustees. The charity operates independently and responsively to the needs of local communities.

The charity's reported activities include educational and training support, advancement of health or saving of lives, disability support, poverty prevention or relief, and accommodation/housing related to its beneficiaries.

Financial Overview

As per the Charity Commission records for the financial year ending June 30, 2023, the charity reported no income or expenditure for that period. The trust's financial details reflect a small team of trustees overseeing its operations.

Summary

The African Children's Educational Trust exemplifies a focused nonprofit effort to empower African children through education, targeting those most in need. By funding scholarships and improving educational infrastructure, A-CET contributes to sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Ethiopia, positioning education as a fundamental pillar for brighter futures in African communities.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_African_Children's_Educational_Trust [2] https://a-cet.org.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/3944774 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/3944774/what-who-how-where [5] https://africanchildtrust.org.uk