A New Era of Healing, Education and Advocacy in Africa
A New Era Africa Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation advancing community-led initiatives in mental health, healing, education, HIV prevention, and youth empowerment.
WHY THIS MATTERS
South Africa’s future depends on its youth, yet today, millions are locked out of opportunity.
46.1 % of youth unemployment (ages 15 - 34)
Rising mental health distress among young people
Ongoing HIV vulnerability driven by stigma, silence and lack of education
With GDP growth averaging below 1.5% in recent years, young people face fewer pathways into education, employment, and well being - increasing lifelong disadvantage. A New Era Africa exists to interrupt this cycle early, before it becomes permanent.
A New Era Africa Foundation is a South African registered non-profit organisation committed to strengthening community well-being through education, advocacy, and health-focused initiatives. Founded by a South African social impact entrepreneur, raised in communities where talent was everywhere, but access was not.
Community Healing
Education and Advocacy
HIV Prevention
Heal Africa Foundation (USA)
(Strategic partner supporting global advocacy and resource mobilization)
↓
A New Era Africa Foundation
(South African registered non-profit leading community based programs)
↓
The Hub – Healing & Education
(Community based spaces of mental health, learning and youth development)
↓
PrEP for Africa
(HIV prevention education, awareness and referral initiative)
OUR STRUCTURE
“Young people struggling with trauma, silence and lack of opportunity are also the most vulnerable to poor health outcomes - including HIV - and long term economic exclusion”
EVIDENCE AND CONTEXT
Statistics South Africa l World Bank l UNAIDS l WHO
Statistics South Africa →
World Bank →
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/southafrica
UNAIDS →
https://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/southafrica
WHO →
The Hub – Healing & Education is the program framework through which A New Era Africa Foundation delivers its work. The Hub brings together education, advocacy, and community-based initiatives focused on mental wellbeing, public health literacy, and stigma reduction. It is designed to strengthen informed decision-making and support responsible engagement with existing health and social services. All initiatives under The Hub operate in partnership with local professionals and organisations, ensuring culturally grounded, ethical, and sustainable impact.
PrEP for Africa is an HIV prevention initiative operating under The Hub – Healing & Education. The initiative focuses on education, awareness, and referral related to HIV prevention, with an emphasis on privacy, stigma reduction, and informed choice. PrEP for Africa supports individuals in understanding available prevention options and encourages early engagement with established healthcare and community-based services.
PrEP for Africa does not provide clinical services or dispense medication.
Supported by Heal Africa Foundation (USA)
FOUNDERS MESSAGE
A New Era Africa was founded by Lyle Volkwyn, a South African social impact entrepreneur raised in communities where talent was everywhere, but access was not.
After losing his brother and supporting his parents through grief, mental health became deeply personal. Through years of speaking with young people in schools and communities, one truth became clear:
“Young people struggling with trauma, silence, and lack of opportunity are also the most vulnerable to poor health outcomes — including HIV — and long-term economic exclusion.”
We collaborate with healthcare professionals, community organisations, and international partners committed to ethical, community-led impact.
Donations to A New Era Africa Foundation support community-led initiatives advancing healing, education, and health equity in South Africa.
All donations are used to support programme delivery, partnerships, and operational sustainability.