.
Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES
NURTURING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND CREATING OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
BRIGHT, ENERGETIC YOUNG LIVES SPARKING CHANGE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR COMMUNITY
Our vision is for MADaboutART to be financially independent
A vibrant hub of youth-led action that benefits the whole community
Our entrepreneurship programme is an important first step on the road to self-sufficiency.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ACTION
MAD young entrepreneurs host a social impact experience to help raise funds to fight HIV and inspire children to make positive life choices
Visitors are invited to step off the beaten track and see MAD’s programme in action, getting to know our community at a human level that respects the dignity of people who live there
The programme also provides career opportunity for local youth who train as guides and work together to host the experience.
.
.
.
.
.
FREE-THINKING YOUNG CHANGE-MAKERS
Our learning-by-doing approach encourages youth-led action that benefits the whole community. Real-life journeys of MAD youngsters show development into strong careers including teaching, banking, retail management and the police force
![]() |
COLLIN ALIE (MAD 2004-11)
High School Teacher, Cape Town
MEET COLLIN
“When I joined MAD, I was a very introverted young man who had challenges expressing himself
MAD had a big impact on my life. I gained skills, knowledge and values that I still apply daily; becoming a self-actualised young man who was shy and found my voice
My choice of teaching as a career came from my experience of facilitating educational programmes to younger kids at MAD”
![]() |
Collin at MAD, age 16
When it comes to school exams young MAD learners earn top grades. Overall 98% of MAD learners passed end-of-year exams compared with 76% nationally.
Shining examples of how taking on new challenges and gaining new skills at MAD inspires children to reach higher and achieve more.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
We believe in food security rather than dependency. Growing food and learning about health and nutrition promotes self-sufficiency and inspires children to make positive healthy choices that will benefit their physical and mental health for the rest of their lives
Discovering the joy that comes from planting a seed and watching it grow is an important part of the practical curriculum at MADaboutART.
Head gardener DEACON (centre) is in his final year at high school. He teaches children to work together to plant and harvest crops.
In our kitchen, older children learn new skills transforming the harvest into healthy, nutritious meals that make all the difference for growing children
Deacon’s time at MAD has inspired him towards a career where he can continue helping his community – he hopes to become a firefighter.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
In South Africa, many children grow up in homes with limited opportunities to play and nearly half of South Africa’s children have never drawn a picture or read a book with a parent or guardian
Having fun learning is an underpinning philosophy at MAD. Play empowers children to rise to challenges and find hope. Play makes children feel happy and improves wellbeing, cognitive, physical, social and emotional
In partnership with UK charity Rockstone & Pebbles, we’re supporting children to access their fundamental Right to Play. Children at MAD are creating a series of narrative art panels, based on their lived experiences of play, both barriers and joys. Panels will be brought to life with fun and games at schools and community events to build awareness of the vital necessity of play in children’s lives
Children’s voices creating social awareness and building a brighter future.