Skills development plays a crucial role in youth empowerment, contributing significantly to social change and job creation.
When young people are empowered with the tools they need to succeed, it helps them break free from the cycle of poverty and unemployment.
Recognising the impact of skills development, FoodForward SA supports various training programmes through our network of beneficiary organisations (BO).
We currently provide food to 116 BOs around the country that offer skills development programmes to children and youth who are food insecure.

For many of these youngsters, the meals they receive at these programmes may be the only time they are served a warm, nutritious plate of food.
These partnerships help build a future where the leaders of tomorrow can lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Empowering Youth: The Zip Zap Circus and FoodForward SA Partnership
For over three decades, the Zip Zap Circus School has inspired young people to dream, equipping them with skills for a brighter future. Brent van Rensburg and his wife, Laurence Estève, established Zip Zap and all its programmes to bridge socio-economic gaps and inspire and empower young people. Using circus arts as an engaging and practical medium, participants in their programmes acquire a range of valuable skills including soft skills, social skills, technical skills, artistic development, circus techniques, and teaching abilities.
The programmes at Zip Zap prepare the older kids to teach and coach younger children, which is an integral part of the curriculum.

Transforming Lives: The Impact of 9Miles Project
Founded in Cape Town in 2013 by Nigel Savel and his wife Sher’Neil, 9Miles Project is a community-based non-profit organisation. Through life skills and leadership training, the 9Miles Project creates opportunities to uplift, equip, and empower impoverished and high-risk youth from coastal informal settlements and communities.
By using surfing as a means of engagement and empowerment, 9Miles provides safe spaces and structured afterschool programs for at-risk children and youth. The project offers mentorship, job creation, skills development, and holistic support to marginalized youth and communities in South Africa.

The Role of FoodForward SA in Empowering Communities
FoodForward SA plays a vital role in supporting community programmes by providing nutritious food.
Beyond basic sustenance, our mission is to promote healthy minds, employment, and skills training, creating a pathway for individuals to regain their independence and dignity.
The collaboration with organisations such as Zip Zap and the 9Miles Project highlights this commitment by focusing on youth skills development to break the cycle of poverty and unemployment.
Join us in making a difference by donating today.