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Skills Towards Empowerment & Productivity

Youth Development Programme

STEP Forward | STEP Together
STEP Into Your Potential

Sills Towards Empowerment & Productivity (STEP) Programme is a 12 month youth development journey for youth aged 20–30 years. It is designed to support personal growth for the betterment of the broader community.

Rooted in the belief that development happens best in community, STEP creates an intimate, supportive environment where participants (Steppers) build self-awareness, prepares them for the world of work through practical skills developed through project-based learning, and a deeper sense of connection to themselves, others, and the world around them.

Our 2025 Cohort

STEP Forward | STEP Together | STEP Into Your Potential

The 2025 STEP cohort has been a powerful reflection of what happens when young people are given space to grow with intention. Through shared experiences, honest conversations, and hands-on projects, they have deepened their self-awareness and begun to find not only themselves, but others as well. Along the way, they’ve built practical skills in teamwork, communication, and planning, learning not just from the programme, but from one another. What stands out most is their willingness to show up, take risks, and grow together.

Learn More About the Cohort Here

Anele Sisanda Hinana

She/Her

Designing with Curiosity, Care, and a Bit of Fun

Cleopas Tarira

He/Him

Smiles, Growth, and the Courage to Explore

Theo Kampies

He/Him

Quick Wit, Big Heart

Faye Nthabiseng Williams

She/Her

Empathy Driven Leader for Social Change

Ethan Manasse

He/Him

Inspiring Young People To Rise Beyond Their Story:

Our Four Pillars

Self-Awareness

We support participants to understand how their past and present experiences shape their beliefs, behaviours, and sense of self. This awareness includes recognising how we impact others/the world, and how we can act more intentionally within it.

Community

STEP is built on the belief that growth happens in relationship with others. Participants learn alongside each other, practise empathy, and experience the power of collective learning and shared accountability.

Exposure

Through curated outings and engagements, participants are exposed to new spaces, people, and stories they may not otherwise encounter, expanding perspective, confidence and possibility.

Skills

Participants develop practical, future-focused skills relevant to work, leadership, and life, grounded in real projects and lived experiences rather than theory alone.

Why STEP Exists

The STEP Programme was developed in response to:

Gaps in traditional education and youth development pathways
A growing need for community, belonging, and safe spaces
Limited access to new places, perspectives, and opportunities for many young people
The need for youth development approaches that centre self-development as a pathway to community development

STEP offers a different way of learning, one that values lived experience, reflection, and connection alongside skills development.

Our Approach

STEP approaches development through real-world experience through project-based learning, reflection, and shared learning rather than traditional classroom-based models.