Help Diepsloot Learn, Earn and Thrive

Over the past few months, The Wot-if? Trust has continued to open doors of opportunity for the people of Diepsloot, from curious children learning to code, to waste collectors becoming entrepreneurs, and women transforming their small ventures into thriving businesses. Each step reflects our belief that when people are given access, skills, and encouragement, they can change their own futures.

Coding for Mandela – Inspiring Young Minds

In July, over 100 children took part in our Coding for Mandela tournament, celebrating Nelson Mandela Day through learning and play. Using a mobile coding game, children solved challenges, learned logic and teamwork, and experienced the excitement of tech innovation for the first time. The joy and pride on their faces showed that digital learning is not a privilege — it’s a pathway to possibility.

Teaching Financial Literacy – Building the Habit of Saving

We believe financial empowerment starts early. Our Kids and Money workshops taught children the basics of saving, spending wisely, and understanding the value of money. Each child received a small “money bank” to start saving their coins, linking fun with future-focused behaviour. It’s a simple lesson with a lifelong impact — financial confidence begins with small, consistent steps.

Training Wastepreneurs – Turning Waste into Value

Diepsloot’s informal waste collectors — once overlooked — gained new respect and recognition through our Wastepreneur Training Programme. Supported by partners like WasteAid, participants learned how to sort, collect, and sell recyclable materials more efficiently, while exploring new waste streams such as textiles and e-waste. For many, it’s more than income — it’s dignity, environmental stewardship, and hope.

Women Ventures – Empowering Township Entrepreneurs

Fifteen remarkable women recently completed our Women Ventures programme, which helps female entrepreneurs move from survivalist businesses to sustainable enterprises. Through modules on self-development, business skills, and market access, these women gained confidence, clarity, and community. They showcased their products at local markets — proud proof that when women rise, the whole community benefits.

Looking Ahead

While our GlobalGiving fundraising journey is just beginning, the progress on the ground is real. Every donation helps us keep our community spaces open, our internet connected, and our programmes running — giving Diepsloot’s ECD Teachers, children, youth, and entrepreneurs the tools to learn, earn, and thrive.

Thank you for believing in our mission. With your continued support, we can reach more people, create more opportunities, and build a stronger, greener, more hopeful Diepsloot.