Join us for an inspiring book launch with James Urdang, Founder and CEO of Education Africa, of his new memoir, It Always Seems Impossible: My fight to build and save Education Africa. With a foreword from the Nelson Mandela Foundation and a cover endorsement from Sir Bob Geldof, who calls it “a powerful account from a genuine African hero. Inspiring, urgent, and true”, the book tells the story of how one man’s determination to use education as a tool for social justice transformed thousands of lives – and how that work was nearly destroyed by corporate misconduct.

Urdang traces his journey from being a school underachiever diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia to founding Education Africa, a grassroots organisation that has opened educational opportunities for disadvantaged South Africans. Mentored by Walter Sisulu, entrusted by Nelson Mandela, and supported by figures such as Helen Suzman and Dr Aggrey Klaaste, he built ambitious programmes ranging from the world’s largest national Model UN initiative to large-scale marimba training and early childhood development projects. The memoir also exposes a shocking battle with a global bank that brought Education Africa to its knees, and the role anti-corruption campaigner Lord Peter Hain played in challenging this injustice. At its heart, the book is a testament to resilience, accountability, and the power of education to change lives.

About James Urdang
James Urdang is an award-winning humanitarian, social entrepreneur, and sought-after motivational speaker. For more than three decades he has worked to create meaningful educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities across Africa. He has collaborated closely with Nelson Mandela, spoken at the funeral of Chris Hani, and continues to advocate for equity, dignity, and transformation through education.