The Next Step Foundation is a continuation of the philanthropic efforts of Sally and Scott Harrison, the founders of Cure International. Launched in 1998, Cure builds and operates pediatric hospitals around the world. Cure has grown to more than $100 million in assets, operates hospitals in 12 countries (11 of which are in Africa), has seen more than 5 million patient visits, and performed more than 300,000 surgeries.

One of the learnings from our Cure experience is that although we can improve the health outcomes of our patients, most still struggle to find employment. Based on our experience, particularly with Persons with Disabilities, we recognized the need to approach Africa’s unemployment problem from a wholistic perspective. We developed the R.A.A.T.T. Method® to ensure that we identify and recruit talented individuals from vulnerable communities, ensure they are properly resourced and given the right training based on their unique skills and abilities, and supported as they transition into meaningful employment.

The work we do at the Foundation is the ‘next step’ in fulfilling Sally and Scott’s vision of empowering and upskilling individuals from marginalized communities—women, youth and Persons with Disabilities—to take the ‘next step’ towards sustainable livelihoods and economic independence.