About EDSA
A bridge built on trust.
A UK fundraising charity connecting generous people with community-led opportunity for young people in South Africa.
Why we exist
EDSA was founded in Oxford in 1989, during apartheid, through links with educationalists working to widen access to education and training in the Western Cape.
Its earliest fundraising supported student bursaries. Today EDSA mainly makes grants to locally led organisations, especially Net vir Pret in Barrydale and the surrounding rural communities.
What we support
EDSA believes equal, accessible education is fundamental to democracy and to breaking cycles of poverty. It supports learning, creative arts, environmental responsibility and routes into further education.
Education makes democracy possible.
EDSA backs projects initiated in their own communities and helps young people build confidence, responsibility and the opportunity to continue their education.