This year of travelling is the best year I could have dreamed of. I don’t think I have ever learned so much in my life. By observing, visiting schools, interacting with people… everywhere, I learn. I have been very lucky to meet so many inspiring people along the way. From all different cultures, different backgrounds, different interests…

In Johannesburg, I have been truly impressed by the initiatives of many young people, driven by their passion and enthusiasm. Everyone I have met had this thing in common: their passion in education and their belief to empower the locals for a sustainable change. Johannesburg is a vibrant city, full of energy, where so much is happening. Many projects are taking place, and it seems that there is space for many initiatives. There is also the need for all these educational projects, as the school system is very inconsistent around the country, and children from more disadvantaged backgrounds are not getting the same chance to access higher education compared with students from more well-resourced schools. I have met many young inspiring young people, who didn’t have an easy start, but have managed to achieve what they wanted, and as a result want to give back to their community, by helping younger ones to get the same chances. They fully understand the cultures from where these young people are from, make sure to embrace this diversity in their educational projects, and celebrate the melting pot that is South Africa.

For example, I have met Daniel, an inspiring young man, who comes from a long way to be where he is now. He has the skills and training to get a well-paid job, but instead, has decided that he will give all his time to help younger people who are struggling at school and come from disadvantaged areas. He now works mainly with a non-profit education organisation called Skateistan, who uses the sport of skateboarding to free educational and leadership opportunities among children who are disengaged with their learning, and come from a difficult neighbourhood. I have been truly inspired by Daniel, who has a passion for helping others, and uses skateboarding to connect with the children.

All these young people I have met had also this in common: an understanding of the new generation and the need for change. They all understand the importance of adapting the way we teach to match the new needs of the children, and believe in a more innovative and creative approach towards teaching.

I met Melanie, from the organisation Streetlights. Coming from a law background, she changed her career to follow what she truly believes in, education. After 3 years of great challenge and difficulties, her school opened in January. Her educational environment is truly unique, and she has managed to create a real innovative concept, her school being based on open space and eco-friendly structures. In her school, she promotes active and social learning, and uses new technology to engage students in their learning. She makes them participate to many extra-curricular activities and give these students the chance to access high quality teaching at a very low cost. She is passionate about her job, and despite the great challenges, you can feel that nothing will stop her. Meeting her was very inspiring and she has given me the motivation for maybe starting my own project one day (still too early to speak about it!). Her school is a happy and safe place, and these kinds of organisations can change a lot in the communities around. These children are the hope for the future, and by empowering them, they are the ones who will be able to bring change for their families and the area they live in.

I also got the chance to visit the organisation called Umuzi and met Andrew, another very inspiring South African person. Umuzi offers professional opportunities to young people from disadvantaged background who can’t afford to access higher education, and give them the necessary skills for photography or web design. They work for one year at Umuzi, receive training and at the same time work for companies, who greatly benefit from their enthusiasm and creativity. In fact, web design and advertising companies are full of white people, being the ones who might have had easier access to universities, but 80% of the population is black. These companies need a greater diversity in their staff to respond to the population needs, but also to match the variety of people in South Africa. Therefore, these companies benefit from having these young and creative people working for them, and these young men and women can access these jobs without going through a costly university. But it is not easy, as many of their families might not consider photography a job that will help them, where they can make money… But change takes time. Changing people’s views. Changing the way things work. Changing the conventions.

These young people will leave this place with a job, and thanks to these kinds of organisations, the disadvantages areas can change… Education is the future. The hope for a better South Africa is in the hands of these young people themselves. They can change their communities. By empowering these young people through education, they can be the next ones to help their community and families. That is how real change happen. Through education and real projects that bring skills. Giving money to people will only create short term change, whereas such projects will lead to sustainable change. Giving the tools to people to take control of their lives. All these people truly inspire me. This year itself is an inspiration. And at a personal level, I can feel a turning page in my life. After this year long of travelling, it will be time for a new chapter. Time to use everything I have learned. And all the people I meet along the way are helping me to shape this new future, so thank you!