As a native South African herself, Charlize Theron deeply understands the issues facing the country. Almost 20 years ago, back in 2007, the Academy Award winner and Dior Beauty ambassador created the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP). “We wanted to do something that we really felt was needed, instead of getting in the way of what other people were already doing," she says.
At first, the organization targeted HIV and AIDS prevention; it went on to build partnerships with local programs. In its almost two decades of work, its scope has further broadened. Now, CTAOP identifies a social need and goes on to launch an initiative directly targeting that need, bringing in support and funding to help community leaders on the ground enact change—all while fostering the next generation of leaders.
