In celebration of Youth Month and its 20th anniversary, the Prescient Foundation announced the winner of the Improve My School Challenge at the Prescient Leadership Summit, held at Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology on 21 June 2025. The Improve My School Challenge is an extension of the Foundation’s broader Made4More programme, an initiative focussed on educating youth by equipping them with the knowledge and skill to lead with purpose and confidence. Launched in April this year, the Challenge invited prefects from the Foundation’s 11 beneficiary schools to submit innovative proposals aimed at transforming their school environment.

The winning entry received R20 000 in funding to bring their proposal to life, marking the Foundation’s 20th anniversary. In addition, the Foundation extended the competition by awarding a further R20 000 to support the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place entries. The proposals not only highlighted the significant needs that exist but also demonstrated that these students recognise those needs and are committed to making a difference. They also identified additional ways the Foundation can support their schools — which will form the basis of phase two of the project.

After receiving 21 entries, the proposals were judged not just on creativity, but on sustainability and long-term impact – ideas that could truly make a difference in school communities. The winning proposal from Linge Primary School in Nyanga impressed the judging panel with its thoughtful plan to enhance the classroom experience. Learners proposed the purchase of new whiteboards, additional stationery supplies for under-resourced learners, and improved lighting in classrooms – simple yet highly impactful changes aimed at creating a more comfortable and effective learning environment. The winning Grade 7A team included: Avuye Booi, Zandile Nkomo, Luthando Fikizolo, Khanyisa Ndlambe, Khanyo Kwatshana, Siyolise Dumami. Other standout submissions included:

Avuye Booi, Zandile Nkomo, Luthando Fikizolo, Khanyisa Ndlambe, Khanyo Kwatshana, Siyolise Dumami

• 2nd Place – Constantia Primary School (R10 000): A proposal to establish a school greenhouse and seedling nursery, aiming to promote sustainability and food security. The school also included additional ideas to strengthen its leadership programme and upgrade school technology, including the introduction of e-books.
• 3rd Place – Lourier Primary School (R5 000): Aimed at rehabilitating the school’s sports field and purchasing new sports and recreational equipment to promote physical activity and holistic learner development. The proposal also outlined future ambitions to improve their science lab and establish a career guidance club.
• 4th Place – Zwaanswyk Academy (R5 000): Proposed a schoolwide recycling and upcycling campaign, with colour-coded bins, awareness drives, and upcycling workshops to instil environmental responsibility while sustaining their Eco Club. Additional components included a therapeutic vegetable garden and science lab upgrades.

The winning team, Avuye Booi, Zandile Nkomo, Luthando Fikizolo, Khanyisa Ndlambe, Khanyo Kwatshana, Siyolise Dumami

“The calibre of entries has been truly inspiring,” says Meryl Bendie, Programme Facilitator of the Prescient Foundation. “This initiative is a powerful reflection of what we stand for — enhancing lives and communities for a sustainable future. By giving young people a platform to pay it forward and lead change, we’re investing in South Africa’s next generation of leaders.”

“For a child to see a need, voice an idea, and for us to help make that idea real – that’s powerful. We’ve seen first-hand that our learners have the insight and commitment to drive real change in their communities. This challenge brings those ideas to life.

What stood out was how deeply these young people care, not just about their schools, but about each other and their communities. When you find the right partner, you can do so much more. These learners see real needs around them; they want to pay it forward and make meaningful change – but it’s tough to do that alone. Prescient can help turn their vision into action and ensure those ideas are sustainable and impactful,” she added. Celebrating two decades of impact, the Prescient Foundation remains committed to nurturing talent, promoting equity, and creating pathways to a brighter future. “This is what it means to lead from within,” concludes Bendie. “When we empower youth, we ignite change — not just in schools, but across communities.”