About Safe-Hub

About Us

One model, five countries, and the organisations that make it work.

Where Safe-Hub comes from

Our story

Safe-Hub was established in Khayelitsha, South Africa in 2007. Our award-winning model for social change was developed by AMANDLA Social Enterprises together with young people and community members from Khayelitsha.

What began as a local response to the need for a safe space to play and learn has since evolved into a global platform for youth and community development. Safe-Hub is now active in South Africa, Germany, the United States, India and Côte d’Ivoire.

Since our earliest days, Safe-Hub has been rooted in collaboration. In 2019, AMANDLA joined forces with Knorr-Bremse Global Care and Oliver Kahn Foundation to form SAFE-HUB GLOBAL, a joint venture that brings together public and private actors who are committed to achieving social change on a global scale. Through Safe-Hub Global, we are taking our successful South African model global, adapting it to meet the unique needs of communities around the world.

How Safe-Hub is organised

Who does what across the network

Safe-Hub is one model delivered by several organisations. This is who is responsible for what — the question we are asked most often.

The originator

AMANDLA Social Enterprises

AMANDLA created Safe-Hub in Khayelitsha in 2007, together with young people and community members. The model, the programmes and the operating experience come from AMANDLA, and it remains the organisation at the head of the network.

The international office

Safe-Hub Global gGmbH

Formed in 2019 as a joint venture of AMANDLA, Knorr-Bremse Global Care and the Oliver Kahn Foundation, and registered in Munich. Safe-Hub Global takes the South African model international, holds global partnerships and standards, and supports every country unit.

On the ground

The five country units

South Africa, Germany, India, the United States and Côte d’Ivoire. Each unit runs its own hubs, programmes, enrolment, local partnerships and news — and each has its own website.

Looking for a specific hub? Every country unit is listed on The Network.

What we stand for

Our values

SAFE-HUB envisions an equal world. As we work to realise this vision, we practise a set of shared values:

WE CENTER YOUNG PEOPLE, ALWAYS

We recognise the power and potential of youth to transform their communities and our world. Young people are at the heart of our decisions. Their perspectives inform us and their goals guide us. Their success is our priority.

WE DO BETTER TOGETHER

We believe in the promise of shared progress. How we work reflects our conviction that collaboration is the only way to overcome our greatest challenges. We value difference, amplify marginalised voices, and make room for dedicated allies who share our goals.

WE PURSUE EXCELLENCE

Our drive to achieve is steadfast. We continuously improve, evolve and adapt. We strive to deliver bold solutions and exceptional services to every young person, every day.

WE SPEAK UP

We question the status quo and call out injustice. We acknowledge historical and systemic inequality, self-reflect and confront our own biases. We commit to building a world that is equal, fair and free. Our solidarity with oppressed and marginalised people is proactive and practised daily.

WE LOOK FORWARD WITH AMBITION

We are united by an audacious vision and the determination to realise it. We persevere, embrace challenges and choose optimism. Our work can be difficult, but it is also a privilege; we approach it with passion, enthusiasm and joy.

The people behind it