Sarfraz Hajee on Bringing Education and Clean Water to Underprivileged Kids

Sarfraz Hajee is a private investor and attorney with an extensive background, founding, managing, and advising several private funds and businesses over the last fifteen years. In 2011, he co-founded his first private fund. 

He later partnered with some industry professionals in 2015 to co-found GHS Investments, LLC, which invests its partner's capital into high-potential businesses. In addition to advising these start-ups and small businesses, he advises individuals and nonprofits on operational, social, and legal issues. A graduate of Binghamton University with a J.D. from The Boston University School of Law, Sarfraz has leveraged his experience in business and law to support those who are less fortunate. 

Sarfraz largely directs his philanthropic efforts towards the underprivileged in rural areas, specifically orphans, as he lost a parent at a young age and empathizes deeply with the pain and challenges of growing up without one. Primarily across East Africa and Asia, much of these efforts involve giving them access to education, housing, and clean water—the lack of which is a leading cause of death among children. Born in Kenya and growing up in Tanzania, Sarfraz recalls visiting remote Tanzanian villages as a kid and observing the challenges faced by people living in remote areas.

In the 21st century, it's hard to imagine life without the internet—let alone water. Yet, a water crisis persists. According to a 2023 UNICEF report, 1 in 3 children—or 739 million worldwide—live in areas exposed to high or very high water scarcity. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Southern Asia, and Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, 436 million children are exposed to extreme water vulnerability, a combination of severe water scarcity and inadequate drinking water services, putting their health and well-being at significant risk. 

Sarfraz highlighted that access to water in rural areas is rapidly declining due to issues like agricultural runoff, deteriorating infrastructure, contaminated wells, ineffective water treatment facilities, and drying or polluted private and community wells.

Sarfraz supports projects and organizations giving these populations clean water, along with food, housing, and education. Sarfraz places emphasis on working with organizations that are financially responsible with their resources and mission. 

Domestically, Sarfraz's impact extends beyond clean water. He is committed to empowering young people and the underserved in various ways, including advising people facing social and economic issues (e.g., marital disputes, mentorship, bullying, employment). "My upbringing, some great mentors and my beliefs have led me to identify philanthropy as a key component to leading a balanced life—I feel fortunate to have the opportunity and aspire to do more in the near future," Sarfraz said.