Care turns opportunity into growth
Our Mission
We connect young people to work in small businesses, so they gain experience and businesses can grow.
Our Story
In 2018, we started with one resource — funding for youth salaries — and one simple question:
Can small businesses help young people gain meaningful work experience?
We partnered with small businesses that were willing to host young people and we tracked the fundamentals. The results were clear: young people did not just show up, they wanted to work. Retention and commitment were high and both the young people and the businesses benefited.
But as the programme grew, we noticed something unexpected.
The young people were not just filling roles; they were helping small businesses grow. Businesses reported increased turnover, more customers, improved systems, new services and access to new markets. That insight changed everything.
youth@WORK evolved into a social enterprise that helps young people gain experience while supporting the growth of small businesses.
Today, we connect funding, young people and small businesses in a way that creates opportunity, supports growth and builds long-term economic participation.
Our Vision
Our vision is an economy where every young person can work, gain experience and build a future. We are building a model that connects young people, small businesses and opportunity to make this possible at scale, across South Africa and Africa.
Our Values
Our work is built on care, dignity and growth for both the young person and the business.
Care
We care about the person, not just the placement. Support, wellness and mentorship are part of our model.
Dignity
Work gives people dignity, purpose and independence.
Growth
We focus on the growth of people, businesses and the economy.
Responsibility
We walk the journey with the young people and businesses we support.
Partnership
We work with businesses, funders, schools and communities.
Excellence
We build systems that work and deliver measurable results.