November 13, 2025 – We are thrilled to share that WPDI, together with our partner SES, has won the Changing Lives Award at the 2025 Africa Tech Festival. This year’s award ceremony took place in Cape Town, South Africa, where WPDI’s Country Manager for South Africa, Dr. Chance Chagunda, proudly accepted the award on behalf of our organization.
This recognition honors our collaborative work to bring high-speed satellite internet to WPDI’s Community Learning Centers in South Sudan and Uganda. With improved connectivity, WPDI learners are gaining the digital literacy and leadership skills needed to help build more peaceful, resilient, and connected communities.
WPDI’s founder and CEO, Forest Whitaker, explained in a recent Forbes feature, “Connectivity is not only about access to technology. It is about access to possibility.” Through this partnership, WPDI and SES are turning that possibility into reality, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
You can read more about this collaboration in:
- Nonprofit Quarterly: How an International NGO Plans to Fight the Digital Divide with a Satellite Company
- Forbes: Intelsat Joins Film Star Forest Whitaker in Utopian Peacemaking Pilot
We are deeply grateful to our supporters and partners whose commitment makes achievements like this possible. This award is a testament not only to innovative technology, but to the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, connect, and lead.
In peace and determination,
The WPDI Team
Find the press release below:
Cape Town, November 13, 2025 – SES and International artist and humanitarian, Forest Whitaker’s, Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) won the Changing Lives Award at the Africa Tech Festival for their collaborative work in bringing high-speed satellite internet to WPDI’s Community Learning Centers in South Sudan and Uganda, connecting thousands of young people to digital education.
The Changing Lives Award is dedicated to recognizing and honoring organizations and initiatives that are committed to improving lives across the continent. By improving digital access using the power of satellite technology, SES is providing WPDI learning center trainees with the resources needed to become drivers of positive change in their communities and beyond.
The partnership started in June 2025, providing centers with the connectivity required to ensure that Africa’s future leaders can acquire the digital literacy and leadership skills and resources needed to drive transformation in their communities. With access to digital education, virtual exchange programs, and entrepreneurship training, WPDI learners are better prepared to help build a brighter future.
“This recognition underscores the transformative power of satellite technology in bridging the digital divide and creating real opportunities for young people in underserved regions,” said SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh. “We are honored to support WPDI’s mission to promote peace and change lives in Africa.”
“Education is the cornerstone of lasting peace,” said international artist and humanitarian, Forest Whitaker. “At WPDI, we harness the power of technology to open doors for young people affected by conflict and instability. By equipping them with knowledge and resources, we empower youth to shape their own paths and become catalysts for positive change in their communities.”
To learn more about the program, click here.
