What is Africa Educational Trust
Africa Educational Trust (AET) is a UK-registered charity, founded in 1958, with the mission of advancing education for disadvantaged and marginalized people in Africa, especially those affected by conflict, displacement, poverty, or other barriers. Over more than five decades, AET has helped hundreds of thousands of children and young people across Eastern Africa access education and training.
What AET Does — Programmes and Support Offered
AET delivers educational and support programmes tailored to fragile, conflict-affected, or marginalized communities. These include formal schooling (primary and secondary), alternative and accelerated education for out-of-school youth, basic literacy and numeracy classes for adults, vocational training, and teacher training in partnership with local institutions and governments. The Trust also supports curriculum and textbook development, exam delivery, and rebuilding formal education systems in areas affected by conflict or crisis.
Who the Trust Helps — Target Beneficiaries
AET focuses on children, youth, adults, and communities who are among the most excluded, including displaced people, refugees, communities affected by conflict or natural disaster, ethnic minorities, pastoralist or nomadic groups, people with disabilities, and girls and women in regions where gender inequality limits access to education. The Trust emphasizes inclusivity and equal access regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or background.
How AET Works — Approach and Principles
AET collaborates closely with local communities, government education bodies, and local organizations. Its approach emphasizes local ownership, employing local staff and partners to ensure cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and responsiveness to community needs. The Trust builds long-term capacity by improving education infrastructure, training teachers and school managers, restoring examination and certification systems, and designing curricula adapted to challenging environments.
Impact and Scope
AET operates in several countries in Eastern Africa, including Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya. Over decades, it has reached hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children, youth, and adults, providing access to basic education, vocational training, and skills.
Philosophy and Core Values
AET believes that education is a powerful tool for empowerment, social inclusion, and peace-building. It aims to provide quality education that encourages independent thought, strengthens communities, supports long-term stability, and offers opportunities to those excluded by conflict, poverty, or displacement. Its values include equality of access, community participation, respect for local contexts, and inclusive education for all.
