Global automaker Chery International has launched a major education initiative in Africa, announcing the establishment of the Chery Education Foundation at the recent Champion for Education in Africa event in Johannesburg. The initiative, called Powering Tomorrow Through Education, seeks to mobilise businesses, governments, and communities to create a sustainable education ecosystem across the continent.
Investing in Early Childhood and Teacher Support
The foundation will start with an initial investment of R3 million to support early learning centres, train teachers, and provide age-appropriate educational resources. The focus is on improving access and quality in under-resourced communities, where children often face barriers to education.
“Our goal is to move from short-term aid to building a long-term, sustainable education system,” said Zhang Shengshan, Executive Vice President of Chery International. “Education must become the wings of dreams for African youth.”
Building Partnerships for Change
The event brought together leaders including Deputy President Humile Mashatile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, representatives from UNICEF, and African NGOs. Discussions centred on how multi-stakeholder collaboration can address persistent challenges such as limited access, low learning outcomes, and funding gaps.
Speakers highlighted the importance of partnerships between governments, businesses, and non-profits. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, said: “By reaching under-resourced schools, we are working to ensure that every child can fulfil their right to learn. With Chery’s long-term commitment, we can expand this impact across Africa and beyond.”
Stories of Hope from the Continent
Testimonies from grassroots leaders illustrated the real impact of such collaborations. In Côte d’Ivoire, Dindji Wotto Léonie Jacqueline of KIDS’ HOUSE praised Chery’s involvement for bringing sustainable resources and innovation into education. In Tunisia, Rym Blaiech of Arc en Ciel explained how initiatives supported by Chery are helping children affected by conflict return to school while also offering psychological support to families.
From South Africa to the World
Chery’s partnership with UNICEF, announced in 2023, includes a US$6 million global contribution to support education programmes in South Africa, Mexico, Türkiye, and China. Locally, the partnership has supported STEM skills development, online learning, school safety, and learner leadership initiatives.
During recent site visits in South Africa, Chery delegates saw early childhood development projects, learner peer-support initiatives, and an AI-powered tool that helps students identify career pathways and transferable skills.
A Movement for the Future
For Chery, this is not just philanthropy but part of a broader vision of systemic change. By fostering partnerships and supporting education at every level, the company hopes to create models that can be replicated globally.
“Corporate social responsibility is never an isolated act of kindness; it is a long-term commitment that resonates with local development,” said Zhang.
The message emerging from the launch is clear: when governments, civil society, and the private sector work together, the future of education in Africa can be transformed — giving every child the chance to learn, grow, and build a better tomorrow.
