40 years of history
Together with the local population, we remove obstacles and support them in developing their full potential.
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The ForAfrika Group was originally founded as JAM International 40 years ago by South African Peter Pretorius. While stranded in Pambarra, Mozambique, he witnessed the devastating consequences of hunger firsthand. Children were dying around him every day. This life-changing experience marked a turning point for Peter — and JAM was born.
The history of ForAfrika
The “Stiftung Schweiz ForAfrika” (formerly “Stiftung JAM Schweiz”) was established in Switzerland in 2006. It is a partner of the largest African development organization, the ForAfrika Group (formerly JAM International), which was founded in 1984 by Africans in Africa. We now benefit from almost 40 years of experience in development cooperation and have our own global logistics network and reliable partners.
It all started in Mozambique. Today, ForAfrika is present in numerous African countries. The network of our partner organizations, the ForAfrika Group, has also expanded considerably over the years. ForAfrika has been asked by UN organizations to act as an “implementing partner” for some major programmes.
Below are some of the milestones in our history.
Our journey
1984
1984: How it all began
South African Peter Pretorius was among the first to respond to the Mozambican government’s urgent appeal to the international community for humanitarian assistance. At the time, a devastating famine threatened nearly four million people with starvation. Peter traveled to the village of Pambarra near Vilankulo in the province of Inhambane to assess how he could best support the local population.
What was meant to be a one-day visit turned into a ten-day ordeal. Peter was left stranded without food, water, or any basic supplies. During this time, he witnessed unimaginable suffering: starvation, despair, and extreme poverty. Up to 30 people died of hunger each day, and countless children were left orphaned.
This experience profoundly changed Peter’s life. Together with his wife Ann, he resolved to take action. From this decision, JAM International was born. In its early days, the organization focused on food distribution. JAM’s very first shipment from South Africa delivered 80 tons of food and relief supplies to Pambarra.
2006
2006: Foundation of JAM Switzerland
Inspired by Peter Pretorius’ work, JAM Switzerland (now Switzerland ForAfrika) was founded by Matthias Tobler and the Bärtsch couple.
In 2006, Matthias Tobler from Switzerland met Peter Pretorius and learned about JAM International during a trip to Africa. He was deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed and by JAM’s effective approach to combating hunger. Motivated by this experience, Matthias—then 26 years old—founded JAM Switzerland together with Anni and Florian Bärtsch. The organization was established as a partner of JAM International with the shared vision: “Helping Africa help itself.”
2021
2021: Isak Pretorius becomes CEO
Isak Pretorius, Peter and Ann’s son, takes over as CEO of JAM International.
2022
2022: We are “ForAfrika”
JAM is now called “ForAfrika”. The name changes, the vision grows, but the heartbeat remains exactly the same. The new name – ForAfrika – clearly sums up the vision, the mission and the goal. Everything ForAfrika does is for Africa. ForAfrika started in Africa, and many of our local employees come from the African village communities that we support. Driven by a deep love for the local people, we work for an Africa that thrives.
More about the rebranding
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News from our work
Annual report 2023
It is with great gratitude and pride that we present our annual report for the past year.
A year that was characterized by remarkable progress and tireless commitment despite all the challenges.
40 years of ForAfrika – Anniversary celebration with Ann Pretorius in Zurich
Save the Date: September 21, 2024 Cordial invitation to the 40th anniversary celebration in Zurich.
Get to know our co-founder Ann Pretorius at a cozy aperitif with the whole ForAfrika family!
A future for Morgado – one daily meal changed everything
“For me, school nutrition is a great incentive. School nutrition has helped me to stay in school myself. It has made me the person I am today. It’s not just a meal, it changes lives,” says Morgado Culembe, School Nutrition Manager in Angola, enthusiastically.
A team of volunteers transforms a KITA and the children’s lives.
The keys to a new beginning: KITA manager Simollang Pooe has dedicated her life to creating a safe environment for the children in her community.
Water alleviates Awuru’s suffering and serves an entire community in Uganda
Fetching water: Awuru Amalia fills her jerrycan at the community well in Omugu The 68-year-old used to have to walk 15 km from home every
Rosemary – Progress as the fruit of saving
“In the future, I would like to turn my small store into a wholesale business. I also want to buy a mill to grind porridge