On August 21, Chery International, launched its ‘Powering Tomorrow Through Education’ initiative at the ‘Champion for Education in Africa’ event held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Chery also officially announced the establishment of the Chery Education Foundation. The foundation, in collaboration with key partners, will strategically select and prioritize support to projects in education and early childhood development in the country.
Through its education initiatives and public welfare practices in Africa, Chery aims to help usher in a new paradigm of ‘multi-stakeholder collaboration and systemic transformation’ in African education development, to illuminate the future of education across the continent.
Initiative Launch and Foundation Establishment: Catalyzing a New Chapter in African Education Through Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
On 21 August , at the ‘Champion for Education in Africa’ event, Madam Deputy President Humile Mashatile, Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng, Chief Director MST and Curriculum Enhancement Programmes at South Africa’s Department of Basic Education Mr. Seliki Tlhabane, representatives from UNICEF regional and country offices, as well as leaders from various African NGOs and media outlets, engaged in in-depth discussions on fostering collaboration among the African education sector, businesses, and non-profit organizations to address educational challenges and accelerate the continent’s educational development.
Chery officially announced the establishment of the Chery Education Foundation during the event. In partnership with key stakeholders the foundation will focus on identifying and prioritizing support initiatives in education and early childhood development. An initial 3 million rands will be invested in the foundation to specifically address the most urgent needs in learning in Africa including upgrading early learning centre facilities, training teachers, and providing age-appropriate educational resources.
During the panel session of the ‘Champion for Education in Africa’ event, Dindji Wotto Léonie Jacqueline, President of KIDS’ HOUSE in Côte d’Ivoire, remarked: “Chery’s support has shown us that corporate involvement can bring sustainable resources and innovative thinking to educational philanthropy. From curriculum development and donations of educational supplies to the establishment of dedicated funds, this model – locally designed, globally collaborated – holds great potential for broader application.”
Rym Blaiech, President of Arc en Ciel in Tunisia, said: “In regions affected by conflict and poverty, education is the cornerstone of rebuilding society. The initiatives supported by Chery not only help out-of-school children return to the classroom, but also provide psychological support and empower families, creating a comprehensive safety net for their growth.”
Breaking Through Africa’s Educational Barriers: Chery’s Long-Term Commitment Shifting from Short-Term Aid to Ecosystem Co-creation
In response to the challenges facing education in Africa – limited access and equity, low learning outcomes, and significant funding gaps – Chery is committed to driving systemic change and fostering localized innovation. By doing so, it aims to address critical pain points in education and rally collective efforts to shift from short-term aid to the development of a sustainable educational ecosystem.
From August 21 to 22, a senior Chery delegation, including Zhang Shengshan and Chen Chunqing, Executive Vice Presidents of Chery International, together with Jeremy Hopkins, Deputy Regional Director for UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Officers, visited UNICEF-supported education project sites. The delegation visited a school taking part in efforts to diversify learners’ future options – academic, vocational, and occupational – through activities jointly implemented by UNICEF South Africa Country Office and the South African Department of Education, with Chery’s support. They also visited an early childhood development project site and a school involved in the “Girls and Boys Education Movement” peer-support initiative.
During the visits, the delegation met with children, youth, parents, and educators, and observed a demonstration of an AI-powered competency measurement tool. The tool provides students with career guidance and assesses transferable skills, helping to bridge school education with future employment.
In 2023, Chery and UNICEF announced a two-year partnership, with Chery contributing US$6 million to support UNICEF’s education programmes worldwide, with a focus in South Africa, Mexico, Türkiye, and China.
In South Africa, Chery has been supporting UNICEF in implementing educational initiatives across multiple areas, including developing and measuring competencies, or transferable skills, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, accelerating effective online learning, improving school safety, and learner leadership and active citizenship.
“In South Africa, our partnership is helping to equip young people with the digital skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s world. By reaching under-resourced schools, we are working to ensure that every child can fulfill their right to learn. With Chery’s long-term commitment, we can expand this impact across Africa and beyond, so every child, everywhere, has the chance to learn, grow, and shape a better future,” said Jeremy Hopkins, Deputy Regional Director, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa.
As one of UNICEF’s key corporate partners supporting its global education programmes, Chery is dedicated to advancing equitable learning opportunities for children worldwide through its partnership with UNICEF.
“Corporate social responsibility is never an isolated act of kindness; it’s a long-term commitment that resonates with local development,” said Zhang Shengshan during the ‘Champion for Education in Africa’ panel discussion. “In the future, Chery will continue to deepen its collaboration with UNICEF and replicate our successful partnership model in more African countries, allowing education to become the wings of dreams for African youth.”
From classrooms in Johannesburg, to communities in North and Central Africa, from fostering digital skills to promoting inclusive education, Chery is upholding its philanthropic philosophy of ‘Empower the Future, Share the Value’. The company is fulfilling its commitment by turning every investment into sustainable momentum for African education and ensuring every project cultivates resilience and innovation on the continent. Chery’s on-the-ground efforts in Africa, in collaboration with multiple education-focused public welfare partners, aim to ultimately transcend geographical boundaries not only offering solutions for educational transformation in Africa, but also contributing replicable and scalable insights to the global education development agenda. Ultimately, this creates a model of value-driven public good, because the light of education should illuminate every corner of the world, enabling every child’s dream to reach a brighter tomorrow.
* UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.