James Urdang is a South African humanitarian, education advocate, and author. His memoir, It Always Seems Impossible: The Journey of James Urdang, chronicles his work as the founder and CEO of Education Africa, a nonprofit providing access to quality education for disadvantaged communities.

Through his book, Urdang reveals his personal story of resilience — overcoming ADHD and dyslexia — and his collaborations with figures such as Walter Sisulu and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. His inclusion in the Festive Reading List highlights how storytelling can drive empathy and inspire action. Instagram · Twitter