Who Are We?
The One Billion was founded by Sharndre Kushor, the daughter of South African–Indian parents who grew up under apartheid. Their journey of resilience and determination shaped her belief that education and healthcare are the foundations that change the trajectory of people’s lives. Out of this history came a bold mission: to create impact at a scale that reaches one billion people by 2070.
Today, The One Billion is driven by a team who share that vision. What unites us is the belief that ordinary people, working together, can achieve extraordinary change. Through health, education, and collective action, we are working to build a future where opportunity is within reach for all.
Mission
To improve the lives of one billion people through healthcare and education by 2070.
The world is facing challenges that affect billions - from the 3.5 billion people without access to essential healthcare, to the 250 million children who cannot read or write. These aren’t just statistics; they represent futures cut short and potential left unrealised. The One Billion exists to change this trajectory. By focusing on healthcare and education - the two most powerful levers for human progress - our work bridges immediate action with impact that endures for decades.
Where we are born should never determine how far we can go.
The lottery of birth continues to shape access to life’s most basic foundations - from healthcare that sustains wellbeing to education that opens doors to opportunity. The One Billion is working to change this.
Our mission is to reach one billion people by 2070, expanding access to health and learning so that opportunity is not dictated by circumstance. Achieving this requires both immediate interventions and long-term solutions that endure across generations.
By focusing on scalable impact, we aim to build a future where opportunity is broader, potential is realised, and the next generation inherits a world with fewer barriers and greater possibilities.
"When I started the One Billion, everyone asked me why I didn't aim for one million. The truth is that I've always believed that ordinary people can set extraordinary goals and can create an impact beyond our expectations when we focus on action and give ourselves the opportunity to try. If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that nothing worthwhile ever comes easy and no great success ever comes without risk. Best to buckle up, turn on the engine and be ready for the ride."
Sharndre Kushor, The One Billion – with little ripples, we will create waves.