LESSAT-AFRICA empowers underserved communities across Africa through

By the end of 2014, LESSAT AFRICA – like many other international NGOs working on the LRA conflict – was struggling to raise the funds necessary to maintain all of its global operations due to the success achieved in reducing LRA violence and other crises around the world demanding the attention of donors. Despite this difficulty, we knew we could not abandon the communities that we had been working alongside for so long. So we dug in our heels and made tough decisions, ultimately restructuring the organization and reducing our U.S. operations by 67%. In the end, we were able to sustain nearly all of our programs in central Africa.

So, no, we did not close down at the end of 2014. In fact, we emerged from that period of transition with a greater clarity of vision and determination to stay the course. And most importantly, we developed even stronger, more trusting relationships with the community leaders who watched us fight for our programs while so many others left.

But we do look a little different these days. We no longer have a huge mass media department, we no longer tour the country in large 15-passenger vans, and we do not host global events. Our U.S.-based programs achieved historic success in thrusting the LRA issue to the front of global consciousness and catalyzing international action, but they are no longer what is needed.

We also sound a little different these days. We have seen that as long as the vulnerabilities that allow for violence and exploitation exist, these communities will not be safe. Therefore, we have embraced the opportunity and the responsibility to evolve our mission and expand our work to include threats beyond the LRA conflict.

gh STEM-based vocational education, school renovations, teacher training, and climate-smart development. We advocate for education reform, deliver hands-on training, and provide essential learning resources focused on preparing youth to meet global challenges.