Empowering Rural Youth Through Agriculture, Education and Energy
ABOUT US
The Nkanyiso Education and Sustainability Centre (NESC) is a registered non-profit organization established in 2013. Our mission is to promote youth involvement in income-generating projects in agriculture, education and renewable energy, creating sustainable opportunities in rural South Africa.
We aim to be a leading platform for youth development by fostering social entrepreneurship in communities that face high unemployment and limited opportunities. By integrating green projects with environmental sustainability goals, NESC addresses not only climate change but also the social and economic challenges affecting rural communities.
Our core objective is to nurture young entrepreneurs who can build independent, sustainable livelihoods while uplifting the well-being of their communities.
NESC’s focus areas align with South Africa’s National Development Plan, ensuring our work supports broader national priorities. While our key areas of specialization are agriculture, renewable energy, and youth empowerment, we remain open to expanding into other initiatives that deliver measurable social and environmental impact.
OUR PROJECTS
AGRICULTURE
NESC is committed to empowering rural communities through sustainable agriculture practices. We currently manage two community farms in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, both rooted in community ownership and participation.
These agricultural initiatives are female-led, intentionally challenging patriarchal norms in deep rural areas. By promoting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), the projects provide women with opportunities to become entrepreneurs and decision-makers.
Our core objective is to equip women with the skills and confidence to build independent livelihoods, freeing them from financial dependency and positioning them as leaders in their communities.
EDUCATION
NESC is dedicated to improving education outcomes in the Eastern Cape, one of South Africa’s lowest-performing provinces. Guided by our policy of “catch them young,” we aim to inspire learners early and equip them for future success. We host career workshops featuring motivational speakers and run activities that encourage participation in science and technology, including the national Science Week programme.
Looking ahead, NESC plans to establish accessible computer labs in underserved communities. By giving every learner consistent access to technology throughout their school years, we can empower them with critical digital skills. This not only enhances their learning experience but also makes them more employable in the future, bridging the gap between disadvantaged communities and the mainstream job market.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
NESC promotes clean and affordable energy through the use of standalone biogas digesters that can be installed at the household level. These digesters are simple to manage and operate using readily available animal waste such as cow dung and chicken manure. The gas produced provides households with energy for cooking light meals and lighting homes, reducing reliance on costly and unsustainable fuels. We also support the development of community-scale biogas digesters, where families work together to supply waste and share the benefits.
A successful example of this is our project in Melani Village, Alice, where a 10m³ community digester was established. Even at half capacity, it provides clean energy to at least 15 families, showcasing the potential of biogas to transform rural communities
Get Involved
Youth Empowerment & youth empowering counrement
Our Core Values
Our Mission
To create impactful, sustainable solutions that enable communities to thrive while preserving Africa’s natural resources for future generations
Our Vision
To drive Africa’s sustainable green economy by promoting inclusive, eco-friendly agricultural practices that responsibly harness natural resources, while advancing the just transition agenda for equitable and sustainable development.