ADC | Assumption Development Centre

Ikamva lethu • It’s our future

Refashioning the economy of Joza & other townships in Grahamstown

The Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

is based in Joza, Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

The ADC is a registered Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation and was founded in 2014 in response to the pervasive youth unemployment and socio-economic development crisis.

ADC’s core focus is on providing a holistic post-school, developmental programme for youth to equip them to access pathways into enterprise development, employment or education with the aim of creating responsible, active & resilient youth.

Our programmatic approach is three-pronged and includes Employability, Enterprise Development and Financial Well-being, with our programs benefiting hundreds of youth and their families each year.

Our vision, mission, strategic objectives and program of action are outlined in our 5-year strategic plan.

Our Vision

An integrated, healthy Makhanda community characterised by responsible, active & resilient youth.

Our Mission

To provide a holistic post-school, developmental programme for youth in order to equip them to access pathways into enterprise development, employment or education.

Assumption Development Centre

Our Funders & Partners

The Assumption Development Centre is blessed to be supported by a number of partners & donors, which enables us to continue providing our transformational programs to youth and their families.

Partners

Funders

3,449

2 days ago

A Marathon with Purpose

Driven by a shared purpose and a deep connection to their hometown, this initiative has become a meaningful journey of effort, and lasting impact for the Assumption Development Centre (ADC).

Ahead of the Manchester Marathon on 19 April 2026, Gemma Scholtz and Nicky Allan set out to take on the 42.2km challenge in support of a cause close to their hearts. Describing the journey as both “exciting and slightly daunting,” they committed themselves not only to the physical demands of marathon training, but to raising awareness and funds for meaningful cause.

Both Gemma and Nicky grew up in Makhanda, a place that continues to hold deep personal significance for them. Like many communities across the country, Makhanda faces high levels of unemployment, with youth unemployment exceeding 50%. This reality leaves many young people without clear pathways into work opportunities after completing their schooling. As they highlighted, access to employment is about far more than income, it is fundamental to independence, stability and instill a sense of hope for the future. Expanding access to meaningful work is therefore one of the most powerful ways to alleviate poverty, it enables individuals to support themselves and their families. Ultimately, break cycles of hardship that continue to persist across generations.

Motivated by this, they chose to support the ADC, a grassroots organisation dedicated to breaking cycles of unemployment. Through education, skills development, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support, ADC is creating sustainable pathways for individuals to build better futures.
Taking on the challenge of the Manchester Marathon particularly while training through the long and demanding winter months, was no small undertaking. Yet, for Gemma and Nicky, the effort was made more meaningful by the knowledge that it would directly contribute to a cause that is making a tangible difference in their hometown.

Their campaign resonated widely, with an initial goal of £2,000, they ultimately surpassed expectations, raising £2,330 (over R50 000). This achievement reflects not only their perseverance, but also the strength of a community united in support of positive change.

The funds raised will contribute to ADC’s ongoing work in empowering individuals through education and opportunity, helping to create lasting impact in Makhanda.

This initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when personal commitment is paired with a clear purpose. ADC extends its sincere gratitude to Gemma and Nicky, as well as to every individual who contributed to the campaign. Your support is helping to build pathways to a more sustainable and hopeful future.

The fundraising appeal will be open until the 30th of April 2026. Here is a link below:
www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-raise-money-to-break-cycles-of-unemployment-in-sa ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Partner Spotlight: Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas
The Centre for Research for Educational Impact
Erasmus Student Network
Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
UPTEC
Rhodes University
Durham University
Centre for Postgraduate Studies
Deakin University Erasmus Student Network
Transparency International Cambodia
#democraticuniversities #academicdemocracy #HorizonEurope #openscience #MSCA #Druing #druwp4 #druwp6 #CommunityEngagement #youthdevelopment #Makhanda #SocialTransformation🌍 Partner Spotlight: Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

The Assumption Development Centre (ADC) was founded in 2014 by the Assumption Sisters, together with civil society organisations, in Joza, Makhanda, South Africa.

Created in response to persistent youth unemployment and socio-economic challenges, ADC works closely with local communities to promote education, empowerment and social justice. Its work is rooted in community engagement and a strong commitment to addressing structural inequalities.

We are pleased to spotlight ADC as a partner whose work reflects the transformative potential of community-based initiatives.

#DemocraticUniversities #AcademicDemocracy #HorizonEurope #OpenScience #MSCA #DRUing #PartnerSpotlight #ADC #CommunityEngagement #SocialTransformation #YouthDevelopment #Makhanda

Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas
The Centre for Research for Educational Impact
Erasmus Student Network
Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
UPTEC
Assumption Development Centre
Rhodes University
Durham University
Centre for Postgraduate Studies ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

We are pleased to share this fundraising effort in support of ADC and its meaningful work for a good cause.

Your consideration, whether through a donation or by sharing this link, is greatly valued.

gofund.me/f34e7c096 ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago

Photos from RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement's post ... See MoreSee Less

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1 month ago

#TheLearningTrust #YouthCapital
#YouthEmployment #Budget2026
#publicemployment #WorkForCommonGood
#EmpoweringLives ... See MoreSee Less

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