I still remember arriving in Johannesburg in 2009—eager, wide-eyed, and determined. I was working with the Enablis Entrepreneurial Network, supporting small and medium enterprises, but what struck me immediately wasn’t just the energy of the city or the potential of its youth. It was the quiet despair. Young people with dreams as big as mine were trapped in a cycle of structural inequality, limited opportunities, and a system that too often failed them. That year changed everything for me.

Mentorship is more than just guidance, it's a bridge. A bridge between experience and aspiration, between where someone is and where they hope to go. It connects people, yes, but it also connects possibilities. What makes mentorship so powerful is that it’s meant to be temporary. It’s one of the few relationships built with the goal of growth and eventual independence. In this dynamic, the mentor serves as a steady guide; someone who’s been there, who knows the terrain, and who wants to help others navigate it too.

"During our visit to Hope4Kasi for community service, we cleaned the yard and painted a house for grandparents. This experience taught me the importance of helping the community. It enriches your life, familiarizes you with your community, and connects you with people and ideas that can positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life," shares IAWA Ambassador Tlotlego.

"IAWA is such a special place for young people like me. We’ve witnessed young people flourishing through opportunities to develop their social and life skills leading them to deal effectively with the demands of everyday life." Hear from IAWA Ambassador Sibongile as she reflects on her experiences in IAWA and on the Capstone Trip.

When IAWA first began the mission was simple, to show young people that with the right tools they could do anything. We had hopes that the work we were doing way back when, would lead to the type of people that would go into communities and plant the same seeds. In a sense that those we taught to fish would some day teach others