2024 Year in Review

Leadership Message

from Karen Reddington (Chair, Board of Governors, JA Worldwide) and Asheesh Advani (President and CEO, JA Worldwide)

The Transformative Power of Education

In 2024, JA Worldwide delivered more than 19 million student learning experiences, reaching young people in over 100 countries. Each of these experiences represents more than a lesson in entrepreneurship, work readiness, or financial health; each is an investment in a brighter, more equitable future for individuals, communities, and countries.

Education as a Catalyst for Change

Through JA, education transcends traditional boundaries, not only preparing young people for careers but also fostering resilience, critical thinking, and collaboration. These skills are essential to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. From tech innovations to solutions for climate change, the breakthroughs of tomorrow will emerge from the empowered and prepared youth of today.

Around the world, millions of JA youth, even those in traditionally underserved areas, are gaining the tools and opportunities they need to thrive, thanks to our enduring mission and the support of our global network of partners, volunteers, educators, and alumni. And when young people are equipped with the tools to participate fully in the economy, they are better positioned to lift their families out of poverty, contribute to their communities, and foster stability.

Our Global Scale; Your Impact

JA’s scale is unmatched. From urban centers to rural villages, we serve students where they are, with a special focus on underserved communities where the need for opportunity is greatest.

Odyek Haron—our featured story this year—is an inspiring example of resilience and innovation. After dropping out of school at age 16 due to financial hardship, Odyek found hope through a JA program in Uganda. Alongside his teammates, he founded Bed Mot, a company that transforms plastic waste into interlocking bricks for construction and landscaping, combining two critical needs: the building blocks for new housing and a use for excess waste.

Odyek’s stories—and millions of others—demonstrate how JA students learn to develop solutions to local challenges through entrepreneurship—empowering young people to become problem solvers, innovators, and leaders in their communities.

A Global Force for Peace and Prosperity

Through our network of more than 300 offices, over 700,000 volunteers and teachers, and thousands of corporate and philanthropic partners, we are uniquely positioned to address the challenges facing young people today and to prepare them to shape the world of tomorrow.

By equipping young people with the tools to succeed, JA is fostering a generation of leaders who can contribute to lasting peace and shared prosperity. By empowering young people with the skillset and mindset to succeed, we’re helping build thriving economies that lead to more peaceful, inclusive societies. Whether they are starting and managing businesses, building sustainable solutions, or strengthening their communities, JA alumni are proving that education is one of the most powerful forces for good.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to realize our strategic goal of delivering 100 million student-learning experiences per year by 2050, in order to bring economic empowerment to more communities around the world. Together with our partners, we are scaling our efforts to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive.

We are deeply grateful for your support and belief in our mission. Together, we are not only preparing young people to succeed in a global economy but also fostering a world characterized by equity, prosperity, and enduring peace.

2024 Global Impact

JA’s reputation for impact is unmatched, producing remarkable global outcomes among JA students: curiosity, creativity, self-confidence, resilience, and the determination to build a better life. Our funders support the development of learning experiencing that prepare them for entrepreneurship, fulfilling employment, and financial health. Funders also support strategic initiatives at the JA Worldwide headquarters, at regional operating centers, and in JA member countries and local areas, where JA staff engage, train, and support educators and volunteers. The result is over 19 million student-contact hours and over 19 million student experiences in 2024.

Story of the Year

Transforming Waste into Opportunity: Impact in Uganda

Across Uganda, millions of young people find themselves at a crossroads—lacking access to education, employment, or vocational training. Approximately 41% of Ugandans aged 18–29 fall into this category, often referred to as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). This crisis, exacerbated by systemic barriers, has long hindered economic mobility. Yet, amidst these challenges, young innovators are reshaping their futures and their communities.

The Social Equity Program: Creating Pathways for Change

JA Africa, in partnership with JA Worldwide and Z Zurich Foundation (ZZF), launched the Social Equity Program (SEP) in Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, and Uganda to combat youth unemployment by fostering financial independence and social entrepreneurship. Through in-person workshops and JA Africa’s Digital Entrepreneurship Education Program (JA DEEP), SEP has equipped over 10,000 young people with the skills to create sustainable businesses. As a capstone to the program, the AfrInnovate Youth Challenge (AYC) recognized the most promising ventures tackling social and environmental challenges.

From Hardship to Innovation: Odyek’s Journey

Among the standout participants was Odyek Haron, a Ugandan youth who dropped out of school at age 16 due to financial constraints. With few options, Odyek took on informal work to support himself and his family. It was during this time that he encountered a SEP opportunity that would change the course of his life. Teaming up with like-minded peers, Odyek co-founded Bed Mot, an enterprise that transforms plastic waste into interlocking bricks for construction and landscaping. The team’s innovation addressed two critical challenges: Uganda’s housing shortages and the country’s growing plastic pollution problem.

Turning Plastic Waste into Building Solutions

The Bed Mot team devised an efficient process to collect, melt, and mold discarded plastic into durable, interlocking bricks. These bricks, designed for construction and paving, offer an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. The project’s ingenuity and social impact quickly caught the attention of AYC judges, including leaders from Ecobank Group, Spotify, the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation, and ZZF. At the AYC finals, Bed Mot not only secured the Innovation Award but also earned the prestigious AYC of the Year title. With this recognition came a $10,000 seed grant and expert media training to help scale their venture.

The Lasting Impact of Entrepreneurship Education

Odyek’s journey represents the transformative power of entrepreneurship education. From facing an uncertain future to leading a venture with tangible community impact, he exemplifies the resilience and innovation of African youth. The support from SEP provided not only business knowledge but also mentorship and networking opportunities—key factors in transforming Bed Mot from an idea into a functioning startup.

Expanding SEP’s Reach Across Africa

The success of Bed Mot and other SEP participants underscores the importance of youth entrepreneurship in addressing both local and global challenges. With expansion into new countries, including the Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Togo, SEP aims to amplify its impact, equipping even more young people with the tools to drive economic and social change. As JA Worldwide COO Caroline Jenner notes, “It’s all about igniting dreams and creating futures. Social entrepreneurship is about building thriving communities and solving the big problems that affect all of us.”

Shaping a Sustainable Future

Bed Mot’s story is more than a business success—it is a testament to the potential of young entrepreneurs to redefine their circumstances and reshape the world around them. Through innovation, perseverance, and access to the right resources, youth like Odyek are overcoming adversity and laying the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous future in Uganda . . . and beyond.