Operating since 1996, CLEF provides bursaries along with psycho-social support to rural youth from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Kenya. It was born out of recognition by Community Leaders, that to truly break the cycle of poverty in rural Africa, the youth had to access tertiary level education in order to gain the skills to increase their employability.
The programme assists young people who have displayed leadership potential to acquire education and skills that would not otherwise be available to them. We invest in youth from our partner communities, with the intent that they realize their potential, become “beacons of hope”, support the ongoing sustainable development of their communities and in some cases bring these specific skills back into their communities (e.g. nursing, teaching, engineering). This not only changes the lives of the graduates substantially, but the lives of their immediate and wider family, through the ripple effect felt by income generation within a family. Our Vision 2030 goal is for 5% of school leavers in our partner communities to receive tertiary support with 80% of these students finding employment within 3 years.
Unlocking new-generation talent, influence, and potential is at the heart of Tomorrow’s Leaders focal area. Through initiatives like the Community Leaders Education Fund (CLEF), we aim to equip young individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive positive change in their communities. CLEF provides tertiary education and vocational training bursaries, creating pathways for future leaders. By nurturing the next generation, we are building a network of empowered leaders who will contribute to a sustainable future.
CLEF provides partial bursary funding to students from Wild Impact’s partnering communities, helping them pursue tertiary education at accredited public universities. The bursary is available to students who achieve a Bachelor pass in Grade 12 (a minimum of four Level 4 subjects), receive acceptance into a public institution, and successfully complete the CLEF application and interview process. Students may study any accredited qualification, although preference is given to those pursuing careers in nature conservation and related environmental fields.
CLEF also supports students who wish to pursue vocational and skills-based qualifications that lead to meaningful employment and community development. This programme assists eligible students from Wild Impact’s partnering communities who are accepted into accredited public vocational or technical institutions. By supporting career-focused training in a variety of fields, CLEF helps equip students with practical skills, industry knowledge, and qualifications that contribute to sustainable livelihoods and strengthen local communities.
The success of the CLEF programme lies in the strength of its carefully structured methodology.
Recipients receive partial funding towards their studies with advice on securing further financial aid e.g. government grants or corporate sponsorships.
Recipients are not restricted to a particular course of study or institution, they choose their own studies in an environment of their choice.
Support is given for just one year of study and then students must reapply. Renewal is dependent on their application to their studies.
Students have individual access to year-long psycho-social support including emergency crisis support, ongoing motivation and counselling.
Graduates have an annual award ceremony and workshop with previous graduates who share advice on post-university steps. They also do work readiness and a CV course.
In place of financial pay-back, students give back to their communities by doing community service, connecting gratitude with generosity.
Wild Impact is a Public Benefit Organisation registered in South Africa. Reg. No.: 930002115