Be the Change: Empower South African Youth
Join Us in Making a Difference
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
South Africa faces the highest youth unemployment rate in the world. Over half of the nation’s young people are unable to find meaningful employment, despite their talent and potential. This is where your support becomes the key to unlocking brighter futures.
For many, completing a university education is simply out of reach. High tuition fees and the skyrocketing cost of living force countless students to abandon their dreams. Socially disadvantaged families, already burdened by financial strain, find it nearly impossible to sustain the costs of higher education. Inflation only deepens the struggle, depleting savings faster than planned, leaving students with no choice but to drop out.
Even for those who overcome these barriers and graduate, the next hurdle looms large: breaking into the job market. Many qualified graduates lack the financial means to gain critical work experience through unpaid internships. Without funds for transportation, housing, or even food, these internships—essential for standing out in a competitive job market—remain out of reach.
Imagine graduating with hope, only to return to a township or a rural area far removed from employment opportunities. These graduates are often the first in their families to earn a degree. They lack access to professional networks or the guidance needed to navigate the job market. Despite their education, these young people remain trapped in the cycle of poverty—a cycle they have the potential to escape with just the right support.
This is where you can make a difference. By contributing to our scholarship program, you can bridge the gap. Your donation helps cover tuition fees, living expenses, and transportation costs, giving students the chance to complete their studies and gain the practical work experience they need to succeed. Together, we can transform barriers into opportunities.
Be the catalyst for change. Help us nurture a generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Your contribution doesn’t just support education—it creates a ripple effect of empowerment, driving progress and hope across communities. Join us today in rewriting the story of youth unemployment. Together, we can build a brighter future.
Our goal
Our scholarship programme for South African students and graduates is designed to prevent financial hardships to forcing students to abandon their studies while also enhancing the employability of graduates.
To achieve this, we offer scholarships to promising students in their final years of study and / or facilitate opportunities for them to gain valuable professional experience through internships.
Additionally, we offer scholarships for internships. These scholarships offer financial assistance to cover essential expenses, such as transportation and basic living costs during their internships.
Leveraging our extensive network of South African organisations and companies, where we place international students since 2006, we provide South African students access to internships that help them develop their skills and acquire practical experience in their chosen fields.
At the same we also promote international exchange by fostering collaboration between local and foreign interns. This exchange creates enriching learning opportunities and encourages intercultural cooperation, benefiting all participants.
Our Applicants
The programme targets young South African students and graduates who are either pursuing their studies or have recently completed them.
Applicants come from low-income families and have proven their commitment and dedication to their studies.
Currently, we offer internships across diverse fields such as social work and education, environmental conservation, sports and culture, marketing and business administration, healthcare, and tourism.
Our Approach
The live&learn Foundation provides comprehensive support to South African applicants throughout every stage of their journey—from the initial contact to follow-up after their work experience or studies, including assistance in entering the job market.
After the successful application, we facilitate an in-depth coaching program designed to ensure long-term success. By thoroughly understanding the qualifications and interests of our applicants and aligning them with the learning opportunities available in our partner projects, we match participants with internships that align perfectly with their skills and learning goals. These placements aim to provide both valuable personal development and professional growth.
We set clear milestones and objectives to foster personal advancement, career development, and labour market readiness. Simultaneously, we actively work to eliminate financial barriers by raising funds and offering tailored scholarships to meet individual needs.
Our holistic approach guarantees that each participant receives the necessary support to unlock their potential, grow further, and make a meaningful, lasting impact.
Collaboration partners
We primarily collaborate with non-profit organizations that value the contributions of skilled volunteers and interns in advancing their objectives. Over the past two decades, we have cultivated these partnerships by placing international volunteers and interns within these organizations. Additionally, we work with various companies based on the specific qualifications and needs of our applicants. We are always eager to welcome new partners who can support our mission by offering their unique resources and assistance.
Join Us!
Be part of our initiative to empower young South Africans to complete their education and gain practical training opportunities that enhance their prospects in a competitive job market.
Come on board by making a financial contribution to our scholarship fund, by offering an internship placement or by sharing this campaign and help expand our network.
Support us with your Donation
How Your Generosity Makes a Difference
By contributing to our scholarship fund, you directly empower South African students and graduates to unlock their full potential and build a brighter future.
Your donations fuel two critical areas of support: scholarships for tuition fees and internships. Here’s how your contribution can change lives:
- Tuition Scholarships: These provide financial relief for students pursuing higher education, tailored to the type of study and university. Details are outlined in our individual fundraising campaigns. Check out our current campaign for Sethu.
- Internship Scholarships: These cover essential expenses, ensuring talented individuals can gain valuable work experience without financial barriers. Costs include:
- Daily transportation
- Meals
- Accommodation near the internship site
- Three personalized coaching sessions with an experienced life coach
- A comprehensive preparation and follow-up program
Every €500 funds a month of internship support without accommodation, while €750 covers a month with accommodation.
Any amount counts!
Your generosity creates opportunities for young minds to thrive, fostering personal growth, professional development, and hope for a future filled with possibilities.
Together, we can break down financial barriers and give these ambitious students the tools they need to succeed.
