We are transforming Africa’s future, one community at a time
Ernestville Foundation is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to improving the social determinants of education and entrepreneurship for disadvantaged persons of Africa and the African Diaspora Community. Established with a profound commitment to fostering equity and opportunity, the foundation addresses systemic challenges in education, economic development, and poverty alleviation.
The inspiration for Ernestville Foundation is deeply rooted in the life and legacy of Mazi Ernest O. N. Oji of Umuabiama, Ajalli, in Anambra State, Nigeria. Born in 1908, Mazi Oji was an extraordinary individual who recognized the transformative power of education. From an early age, he excelled in academics, which led him to become a professionally trained chemist.
His career at UAC Nigeria Plc as a quality control and assurance expert exemplified his dedication to excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Mazi Oji was celebrated for his passion for academics, mentoring peers, and even stepping in to help others excel in critical examinations.
Mazi Oji’s passion for education and self-actualization extended far beyond his own nine children—all of whom achieved advanced academic degrees—to his extended family, community, and kin. This remarkable legacy serves as the foundation’s guiding light, driving its mission to empower individuals through education, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Ernestville Foundation specializes in creating impactful programs that provide scholarships, skills development opportunities, and entrepreneurial resources to underprivileged communities. By fostering access to essential resources, the foundation empowers individuals to break the cycle of poverty and achieve sustainable growth. Our initiatives, such as the Umuabiama STEM+ Academy, focus on advancing science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and language education. Programs like the Annual Entrance Examination Preparatory Program equip young minds for elite academic opportunities, while the Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Center nurtures self-reliance through practical training and mentorship. Additionally, our Helping Hands program supports the most vulnerable with essential resources and services, ensuring no one is left behind.
The foundation’s work is further strengthened by a team of accomplished professionals in academics, healthcare, business, and technology who volunteer their time and expertise. Our collaborative partnerships with NGOs, philanthropists, and community organizations amplify our impact, enabling us to reach underserved populations across Africa and the African Diaspora. Ernestville Foundation remains committed to preserving cultural heritage while driving innovation and creating a future where every individual has the tools to thrive.
Objectives
1. Promote Quality Education
a. Establish and support academic institutions like the Umuabiama STEM+ Academy to deliver high-quality education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, English, and indigenous languages (Igbo).
b. Provide scholarships and educational resources to talented but disadvantaged individuals, ensuring they can access and excel in advanced learning opportunities.
2. Foster Entrepreneurship
a. Create entrepreneurship and skills acquisition centers that equip individuals with practical knowledge, mentorship, and resources to start and sustain businesses.
b. Facilitate training programs in trades, technology, and digital skills to prepare participants for a dynamic global economy.
3. Combat Poverty
a. Implement programs like "Helping Hands" to provide essential resources, such as food, clothing, housing, and healthcare, to the most vulnerable members of society.
b. Collaborate with NGOs, government bodies, and businesses to maximize impact and ensure the sustainability of poverty alleviation initiatives.
4. Build Community Partnerships
a. Foster collaboration with local, national, and international organizations to expand the reach and effectiveness of our programs.
b. Engage the Diaspora community in supporting initiatives that uplift and empower African communities.
5. Promote Cultural and Community Identity
a. Incorporate indigenous knowledge, values, and practices into educational and entrepreneurial programs to preserve cultural heritage while fostering innovation and progress.
Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives.
At the Ernestville Foundation, we empower underserved African communities and the Diaspora through education, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. Our programs break barriers, foster development, and create pathways to success. Together, we envision a future where access to resources and opportunities transforms lives and builds resilient communities.
Improving Social
Determinants of Education
and Entrepreneurship
Start Donating Now
Background
In many communities across Africa and the African Diaspora, systemic poverty, limited access to quality education, and a lack of entrepreneurial opportunities continue to hinder progress and perpetuate cycles of disadvantage. These challenges, deeply rooted in social and economic inequities, leave countless individuals without the tools and resources needed to unlock their potential, contribute meaningfully to society, and achieve self-reliance.
Amidst these challenges, The Ernestville Foundation, Inc. emerged as a nonprofit organization committed to addressing these pressing issues. Drawing inspiration from the life and legacy of Mazi Ernest O. N. Oji, a trailblazer in education and personal development, the foundation focuses on improving the social determinants of education and entrepreneurship for underprivileged communities in Africa and the African Diaspora. By closing gaps in educational access, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, and providing essential resources, the foundation empowers individuals to overcome poverty and build sustainable, brighter futures.
Our work is defined by a comprehensive approach that combines innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. The foundation implements initiatives such as the Umuabiama STEM+ Academy, which delivers advanced education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and languages, and the Annual Entrance Examination Preparatory Program, which prepares young boys for admission into elite schools. Additionally, the Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Center equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the training, mentorship, and resources they need to launch sustainable businesses, while the Helping Hands initiative provides vital support to the most vulnerable members of our community, ensuring they have access to basic needs and opportunities for growth.
Ernestville Foundation operates with a clear timeline and purpose. Our programs are designed to produce measurable impact, with short-term goals focused on immediate support and long-term objectives aimed at systemic change. We leverage the expertise of a dedicated team of professionals from diverse fields—academics, healthcare, business, and technology—who volunteer their time and knowledge to drive our mission forward.
Our beneficiaries include children, youth, and families in underserved communities who lack access to quality education and entrepreneurial resources. We also aim to engage and mobilize the African Diaspora, encouraging them to invest in the growth and development of their ancestral communities.
The Ernestville Foundation’s vision is to create a world where every individual has equitable access to education, economic opportunities, and essential resources, enabling them to thrive and contribute to a prosperous, inclusive society. Through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment, we strive to uplift and transform lives, fostering sustainable development for generations to come.
Our Supporters
