Bridging the Gap to Opportunity: The Good Work Foundation x Young Entrepreneurs Academy

We're excited to be working with the Good Work Foundation (GWF) to play a part in assisting them on their mission to deliver "wonder-filled" 21st-century learning opportunities to rural and marginalised communities in South Africa.

Together, we’re supporting young people to step into the world of work, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and create opportunities that transform their lives and their communities.

To understand the impact of GWF’s work, we sat down with two of the programme’s key drivers, Kathy Knott and Ntsako Mandlazi, to talk about what inspires them, what challenges their students face, and how entrepreneurship education is sparking change. 

Meeting Kathy & Ntsako: 

Can you share a little about your role at Good Work Foundation and the work you do with the Bridging Year Academy?  

Kathy: “I’m the programme manager of the Bridging Year Academy. My job is to curate a curriculum that doesn’t just teach but really prepares students for a meaningful future. And fun is a core value for us at Good Work Foundation. Students should enjoy the learning process.”  

Ntsako: “I’m more hands-on at the campuses. I sit in on lessons, support facilitators, and make sure what happens in one classroom matches the standard across all campuses. The goal is that everywhere, you feel the same energy, professionalism, and joy.”  

What drew you personally to the mission of GWF and how does your own story inspire the work you do now? 

Ntsako “I joined GWF as a student myself, having just done my nursing certificate.  I completed the Bridging Year Academy, which has evolved a lot since I did it. After completing it, I volunteered as a facilitator, then quickly moved through the ranks of becoming a full-time facilitator, Coordinator, Campus Manager and now BYA Manager. So I understand GWF, the programme, the team and the students.”  

Kathy “I’m passionate about youth development. This work helping young people actualise their potential feels like soul work for me.”  

The Challenges Youth in rural South Africa are facing: 

What are some of the key challenges young people in rural South Africa face when it comes to education and employment opportunities? 

Kathy  “Most of our students have never touched a computer before they arrive here. English, the language of business, is not one many feel confident speaking. And unemployment rates are crushing, especially for young people. Without specific skills, the jobs that do exist are often poorly paid and far from home. So many families already have side hustles selling veggies from the garden, making clothes, or cooking sauces. If we can help formalise and grow those businesses, they can do more than sustain a family; they can create jobs.”  

How does the Bridging Year Academy aim to address those challenges? 

Ntsako “When students arrive, many don’t know where to start. The Bridging Year Academy helps plant that first seed by giving them confidence and direction. They begin to see that they can pursue their ideas seriously, even without big money, and that entrepreneurship is really about solving problems not just making money.” 

Unlocking Opportunity Together

How did you first hear about YEA, and what made you feel it would be a good fit for your learners? 

Kathy “It was a very fortuitous link, because this year we launched a new part of our curriculum called Introduction to Entrepreneurship (I2E), so this is an example of how our curriculum has been evolving. We always knew that entrepreneurship was important to include. We were very excited to discover the YEA programme, in that it's digital and self-paced in terms of people moving through it. When we tried it out for ourselves, I could see the quality of the programme. I really like the level at which it is pitched.”   

What excited you most about bringing the YEA learning series to your students? 

Kathy “I like the entertainment element to it. The interactive element of the questions and answers. I loved hearing from the entrepreneurs and their different businesses. You get to know them quite well, over the period of the programme. The programme was the right sort of size in terms of the quality and the quantity of content for our students. Also, it has no cost, which is very, very generous of your team, and we can't thank you enough for that. I also thought the interactive nature of the way you build a business plan as you work through the programme,  is really helpful.”

Student Engagement  

Have you noticed any changes in your learners' confidence, problem-solving, or creative skills since starting the programme? 

Ntsako: “Definitely. We’ve seen a real shift. At first, many students are unsure of themselves, but through the programme they start to grow in confidence. Some are now serious about pursuing their business ideas, and they’ve really enjoyed the courses along the way. You can see the difference at graduation, the confidence in the speeches they give is incredible.” 

What do your students have to say about their experience with the Young Entrepreneurs Academy?

The students’ own reflections speak volumes about the impact of the programme. Here are some of their thoughts, in their own words: 

Lusanda Khosa: “Curiosity gives you knowledge. This is by far the most interesting online course I have come across. The videos are very educational. As a new person in the business space, I have learnt a lot.” 

Relief Ndlovu: “Persistence is key. At the beginning, I did not understand what I was supposed to do, but trying over and over made me understand the program. Now I am flowing nicely.” 

Preshine Mgiba: “It’s okay to start something new. I got to GWF without any business knowledge, but joining this Academy has given me enough understanding on the basics of business. I still have a lot to learn, but I believe I will make it.” 

Tumelo Mathebula: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, and sacrifice. And most of all, it's the love of what you are doing. The program has taught me a lot about believing in myself and striving for what I want.” 

Trocia Mbambo: “Bravery: you don't have to be great to start, but you must start to be great. If you have no confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life. The YEA program has taught me to be brave and to believe in myself all the time.” 

Merrytritious Mhlaba: “Never be limited by other people's limited imagination. Make sure that every day you work for success, learning from mistakes and pursuing passion with a long-term vision. Do not give up. The beginning is always the hardest. This program has done a great job towards learning about young entrepreneurs.” 

Thamia Mhlongo: “Customers may forget what you have said, but they will never forget how you made them feel about the service you have given them. To be successful does not mean you won’t fail in life, but it is a way to encourage yourself.” 

Beyoncé Khoza: “The importance of self-belief over seeking external validation, and the idea that it's not being right but being unafraid of being wrong. Believe you can and you're halfway there. This program taught me to have confidence and do what I want until I succeed.” 

Why Entrepreneurship Matters 

Why do you think entrepreneurship education is important for young people in South Africa today? 

Kathy “With South Africa’s unemployment rate sitting at 33.2% the urgency is real. Entrepreneurship gives young people back their power. It’s not easy, but it’s worthwhile. And if they can grow from a hustle that supports themselves to one that employs others, the ripple effect is enormous.” 

Ntsako “Our youth have so much potential. They may live in rural areas, but their minds are not rural. They dream of being leaders in industries like beauty or tech. They’re ripe and ready, they just need opportunities and partners who believe in them.”  

If you could send one message to organisations thinking about working with rural youth, what would it be? 

Ntsako “There’s a lot of potential here. We can’t do it alone. But if we work together, we can change lives. Our youth are ready; we just need more people to step in and support, for example through business mentorship, and financial support for promising businesses or programmes like ours.” 

Kathy “It’s a global village now. With digital tools, rural youth can access markets and opportunities like never before. If you’re building programmes, make sure entrepreneurship is part of them. It’s not about reinventing the wheel, it’s about connecting young people with the excellent tools and platforms already out there."

The stories Kathy and Ntsako share reflect the very heart of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy - partnership, collaboration, and a deep belief that young people, especially those too often overlooked, have the power to drive meaningful change when equipped with the right tools. With champions like Kathy and Ntsako leading the way, these kinds of partnerships are a reminder that it takes a collective effort to unlock potential and we’re thankful for the chance to play a small part in that journey.