Letters from the founders

I deeply believe that all people are sisters and brothers, dearly beloved children of God, for whom He envisioned a dignified and happy life. I therefore cannot accept that so many men, women, and children are denied this possibility. The same is true for the members of the Ruben Fernandes Association, its sponsors, and above all the servant leaders we support, their teams, and their communities: we do not accept extreme poverty, discrimination, or violence. Each of us shares what we have—material resources, time, experience, youth, and commitment—so that, together, we can do our part in building a more just world to all, all, all!

I am part of the International Relations team of a Portuguese NGO, IPAV, and have witnessed, firsthand, its remarkable growth over the past decade. During this time, IPAV developed a social and emotional learning (SEL) methodology rooted in Ubuntu—an ancient African philosophy that teaches that our humanity is shaped through our relationships with others – I am because You are- my humanity is inextricably bound with yours. Through training-of-trainers programs across Africa and beyond, I have met extraordinary young leaders from Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and the Philippines. Many grew up in contexts of extreme adversity—refugee camps, severe poverty, and conflict—yet transformed hardship into purpose. What unites them is courage, leadership, love for humanity, and a deep commitment to give back: “If I made it, I will help others make it too.” Bringing the pillar of servant leadership to life, as a core expression of the Ubuntu Leaders Academy methodology, making full use of Internet connectivity and inspired by the values of justice, courage, and kindness embodied by Alexandra Fernandes, the Ruben Fernandes Association has supported and microfinanced self-sustaining projects designed and led by these Ubuntu servant leaders. Together, we have witnessed sustainable change: schools serving hundreds of children, daily meals for students, vocational training and sports programs, access to clean water and solar energy, and restored dignity for vulnerable communities. As Nelson Mandela said, “We are one human family.” This belief guides our work—and reminds us that when vision, courage, and service come together, lasting change is possible.