Our Approach

Education for development through investing in community-led projects, harnessing local skills, knowledge and experience to build self-resilience - and commitment to change

We empower people and communities at risk of marginalisation by funding projects that people raise their voice, contribute their ideas and take control of their own projects. Encouraging social enterprise models and supporting local solutions, we invest our resources both on the education structures and skills which already exist, but also in new institutions and educational projects. We encourage self-agency and promote rights for those most under-represented, such as girls and women, disabled people, orphans, and those living with HIV and other long-term health problems.

Grant-giving to overseas NGOs, CBOs, social enterprises and educational institutions, and supporting dynamic individuals who are committed to social justice and equal opportunities for all, we fund programmes that build independence for orphans, vulnerable children and their families, and enable young people to develop their capabilities, access opportunities and reach their full potential.

We and committed to supporting organisations that promote volunteering, community participation and community engagement to support the development of self-agency and community social responsibility. The Mango Tree Kenya’s Community Service Volunteer Programme supports those young people who have been sponsored by us to complete a year of volunteer work, either for The Mango Tree or within their community, after which they qualify for bursaries towards further education or training.     

Our approach to ‘education for development’ is broad and those projects we fund include ensuring children have access to both formal education at schools, colleges and universities, as well as informal education, health education and educational capital build projects. We prioritise funding for children and young people, but do support projects that support the resilience of their families or guardians.