Changemaker Programme

Young people are not waiting.

Across communities, they are already finding ways to respond to what they see around them, creating, hustling, organising, and trying to build something with what they have.

But this often happens without support, without structure, and without access to the opportunities that could help them go further.

The Changemaker Programme works in this space. It is a two-month, in-person programme based in Philippi Village, a space that brings together learning, enterprise and community, and connects young people to a wider network of support and opportunity. The programme focuses on social entrepreneurship as a way for young people to take their ideas seriously, test them, and begin to build something of their own. The Changemaker Programme works with young people who are not in education, employment or training and is delivered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in partnership with the UCT GSB Solution Space.

What the programme focuses on:

From ideas to action

Young people work on real ideas, grounded in what they see and experience in their communities. 

Building capability

The programme develops practical skills in entrepreneurship, problem solving and taking initiative. 

Confidence and agency

It creates space for young people to build confidence, make decisions, and take ownership of their next steps. 

Mental health and resilience

Mental health is not treated as an add-on, but as a core part of how young people are able to show up and move forward. 

Watch: Changemaker Programme Overview