Non-profit Organisation
The Creative Minds Foundation (CMF) is a registered and incorporated non-profit organization under section 17 of the Eswatini Companies Act No. 8 of 2009. We are dedicated to creating sustainable opportunities for young people from marginalized communities in Eswatini. With gender equality being one of our core values, we recognize the importance of prioritizing initiatives that will create opportunities for women’s economic empowerment in our community.
Creative Minds Foundation
Our Core Values
Inclusivity
Embracing the belief that all young people have value and the right to belong.
Diversity
Our focus is to empower young people by respecting and appreciating what makes them different, in terms of age, gender, religion, race, disability, and education.
Equality
Gender equality remains unfinished business in every country of the world. Women and girls have less access to education and healthcare, too often lack economic autonomy and are under- represented in decision-making at all levels.
About Us.
Our organization aims to create and foster youth empowerment by providing educational and mentorship initiatives, promote social inclusion, and build resilient communities.
Creative Minds Foundation is a non-governmental organization committed to empowering youth and creating opportunities for their personal and professional growth. Founded in 2020, we have been actively engaged in implementing various programs and initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by the youth .
Our organization aims to create and foster youth empowerment by providing educational and mentorship initiatives, promote social inclusion, and build resilient communities.
Our Aim.
Creative Minds Foundation seeks to create sustainable opportunities for young people across Africa, especially those from marginalized communities. Our goal is to create an environment where young people are able to nurture their dreams and realize their potential.
We take pride in our values: inclusivity, diversity, and equality by embracing the belief that all young people have value and the right to belong. Our focus is to empower young people by respecting and appreciating what makes them different, in terms of age, gender, religion, race, disability, and education. Our mission is to provide young people with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to become active citizens and leaders in their communities.
Our Vision
Our Vision is to Improve communities through creating equal opportunities for Economic empowerment and employment for Young people across the African continent.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide young people with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to become active citizens and leaders in their communities.
Problem Statement
The youth in Eswatini face several challenges related to empowerment. Some key issues include: 1.) L imited Access to Education. 2.) High Unemployment Rates. 3.) L imited Vocational Training Opportunities. 4.) Gender Inequality. 5.) Lack of Entrepreneurial Support.
2
Currently in 2 counties (Zimbabwe and Eswatini.)
500+
More than 500 young people impacted.
10+
Successful Projects
4
Years of experience
Founder & President
Justin Gara ( born April 15, 1993) is an Eswatini- based Zimbabwean entrepreneur and mentor. He is the founder and president of Creative Minds Foundation, a catalyst for empowering youth through mentorship. He is also the founder and CEO of Just-Fitness Pty Ltd, a health and wellness organisation dedicated to promoting healthy living for a better and more sustainable future.
Gara is dedicated to making a difference by empowering youth, promoting health, and fostering wellness. He firmly believes that these elements are crucial in shaping the lives of future leaders and in promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for all generations.
“It is every young person’s right to have a mentor who will help shape their perspective of the future, positioning them to become an asset rather than a liability to the community.”
Expertise in Youth Development
Our organization has a successful track record of implementing impactful youth-focused programs that address various social issues. We possess a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young people and the expertise to design and deliver effective interventions.
Experienced Team
Our team consists of dedicated professionals with extensive experience in youth development, program management, and community engagement. We have the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of the program.
Strong Community Partnerships
We have established partnerships with different stakeholders, educational institutions, and corporations, allowing us to leverage existing resources and networks to maximize the reach and impact of the Entri Forum program.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity
We prioritize creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Meet Our Team
Executive Director
Vice Chair-Person
Program Officer
Meet our chair-person
Challenges facing young people in Eswatini.
The various challenges faced by youth in the rural areas are very different and often harsher than those faced by urban youth, the latter tending to have greater access to transport networks, communications, job opportunities, and government and financial services, not to mention fundamentals like electricity, clean water, sanitation and food security (MoSCYA & UNFPA 2016).
Eswatini is slowly catching up with global development which is encouraging the investment in youth as they are the future leaders and citizens of the world. We have experienced a great growth and need for youth participation; however there is still a great need for improvement. Although Eswatini has seen a number of youth empowerment programs and organizations sprouting to respond to the youth needs of the country, this has caused an imbalance as there’s a high rate of empowerment with less structures to support the growth and innovation that comes with the empowered mind.
Some key issues include:
- High Unemployment Rates
- Lack of Entrepreneurial Support
- Limited Vocational Training Opportunities
- Limited Access to Education
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
