D.E.F. Supports Flaviana Matata Foundation

The Diamond Empowerment Fund has granted $10,000 to the Flaviana Matata Foundation, which empowers young orphan girls through education, skills training and micro-finance projects in Tanzania.

Founded by fashion model and former Miss Universe Tanzania, Flaviana Matata (pictured left), the FMF seeks to create a future through education and improve livelihoods among the youth in Tanzania.

“When you empower a girl, you empower an entire community,” Matata said. “Providing opportunity for these young girls will encourage others to stay in school and vastly improve their chances for employment and productive livelihoods.”

Matata received the “Face of Africa” award in recognition for her leadership and dedicated service to the African community at the African Diaspora Awards on December 8 in NYC.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund will be hosting its GOOD Awards on January 10 in New York—recognizing leaders who are making a difference in Africa.

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D.E.F. Presents Its GOOD Awards

Members of the DEF board pose with five students who graduated from two of three DEF-beneficiary schools (the Botwsana Top Achievers Program or African Leadership Academy) and who now are enrolled in various universities in the United States.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund, a non-profit organization that raises money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations, presented its GOOD Awards to Tiffany & Co. and Leo Schachter Diamonds, and international model and humanitarian, Noella Coursaris Musunka, during a recent event at LAVO nightclub.

 Five students who directly benefited from scholarships funded by DEF at two of its three beneficiary schools in Africa were presented with checks at the event.

Russell Simmons, entertainer/entrepreneur and DEF co-founder, emphasized the importance of the diamond industry to give back and empower the communities where their precious resources are found. “A strong Africa is an educated Africa. For the diamond industry to be sustainable in the future, empowerment of youth through education is essential.”  

Celebrities at the event included Estelle, Jeffrey Wright, and Selita Ebanks. Jewelry global industry leaders in attendance included Varda Shine and Stephen Lussier of De Beers, Mike Kowalski of Tiffany & Co., Mark Light and Mike Barnes of Signet Jewelers, and African ambassadors from the diamond producing countries of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. 

The event began with an African ceremonial dance by native Batswana dancers. After the Awards presentation, Grammy Award-winning artist, Estelle, performed. 

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