what we do
The Joy Africa Foundation provides financial, logistical and advisory support to independently-run children’s homes and orphanages across Africa
Joy is one of the most positive and wonderful emotional states we can experience as human beings. It stems from a feeling of contentment and belonging and fills us with vitality, optimism and delight. Joy fills us with contagious energy.
the joyful kids manifesto
We believe in a world in which every orphan and street child in Africa is able to be a JOYFUL KID, living a fulfilled carefree childhood – irrespective of gender, place of birth, nationality, religion or social status.
At the Joy Africa Foundation, our aim is to enable 100 000 African orphans and street kids to become JOYFUL KIDS, living a fulfilled carefree childhood, by providing them with a protective and nurturing home environment.
We believe in a world in which every orphan and street child in Africa is able to be a JOYFUL KID, living a fulfilled carefree childhood – irrespective of gender, place of birth, nationality, religion or social status.
At the Joy Africa Foundation, our aim is to enable 100 000 African orphans and street kids to become JOYFUL KIDS, living a fulfilled carefree childhood, by providing them with a protective and nurturing home environment.
our founder
My name is John Sealey and I am the founder of the Joy Africa Foundation.
I have to be very honest with you… my story isn’t perhaps the typical tale you might be expecting to read here.
I haven’t spent my entire adult life planning to support Africa’s most vulnerable children. I haven’t always devoted my time to working in charitable organisations.
My history doesn’t include a focus on children, nor had I previously felt inspired to prioritise their needs. For a long time, I was pretty judgemental and couldn’t see the pure beings that they are and the fantastic potential they have.
Thankfully, that all changed many years ago when my niece and nephew were born – that, and my direct experience of witnessing so many destitute children while travelling in Africa.
During the first pandemic lockdown of 2020/2021, I had time to think about the future.
It was while I was putting together a vision board for my future priorities and goals, that I found myself repeatedly coming back to the desire to help others, make a contribution and have an impact.
It became clear to me that I had a deeply-rooted desire to “give back”.
And I don’t really know where it came from, but I repeatedly wrote down two words on Post-Its…
Now, I had spoken at a personal development conference in Johannesburg in late 2019 and remember being very impressed by the many enthusiastic young African adults I met, who were so determined to make something of their futures.
Perhaps that was the link to Africa…
And I certainly recalled the gut-wrenching reaction I felt watching the 1985 Live Aid concert as a 21 year-old. To this day, I defy anybody to watch the incredibly harrowing video developed by CBC TV and played at Live Aid depicting starving and sick Ethiopian children set to the song “Drive” by The Cars and not be moved to do something to help.
And I certainly recalled the gut-wrenching reaction I felt watching the 1985 Live Aid concert as a 21 year-old. To this day, I defy anybody to watch the incredibly harrowing video developed by CBC TV and played at Live Aid depicting starving and sick Ethiopian children set to the song “Drive” by The Cars and not be moved to do something to help.
So I decided to set up the Joy Africa Foundation – to help as many street children and orphans in Africa as possible to have a decent childhood and the best start possible in life. After 18 months, we are already supporting three projects in Uganda, Nigeria and Liberia. These are small baby steps and many more will and must follow. I am proud to say, we have already had a deeply positive impact on the lives of the children we have been privileged enough to help so far.
Some may see it as a daunting task, but I am up for the challenge.
I want all our children to thrive, not just survive. My ambition is for as many children as possible to become JOYFUL KIDS.
So I decided to set up the Joy Africa Foundation – to help as many street children and orphans in Africa as possible to have a decent childhood and the best start possible in life. After 18 months, we are already supporting three projects in Uganda, Nigeria and Liberia.
These are small baby steps and many more will and must follow. I am proud to say, we have already had a deeply positive impact on the lives of the children we have been privileged enough to help so far.
Some may see it as a daunting task, but I am up for the challenge.
I want all our children to thrive, not just survive. My ambition is for as many children as possible to become JOYFUL KIDS.
