The LBW Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to using education and sports as tools to
uplift children and youth from low-income communities. The LBW Foundation is a for-purpose
organisation dedicated to levelling the playing field in education. Cricket in particular is the common
thread of The LBW Foundation, uniting people, communities and corporations in our vision of
learning for a better world. Education empowers people and changes lives for the better by
providing hope for the individual and their families and by becoming a vehicle for change in their
communities and countries. A more educated community is more equal, where women, in
particular, earn more, marry later, have fewer children, have, in turn, more educated children and
lead a more equal and better life. Established in 2005, the foundation was born out of a recognition
that access to quality education and sports can break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Over the
years, the foundation has awarded approximately 50 high school scholarships in partnership with
schools. In 2024, the foundation decided to formalize its operations by registering with the CIPC and
DSD, driven by the success stories of the youth it has impacted.
The foundation’s mission is to inspire tomorrow’s heroes by addressing national challenges in
education, sports, health, and unemployment. Through its programs, the LBW Foundation aims to
make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. The
foundation has developed initiatives like the JumpStart Programme, which equips unemployed
youth with sports and management skills, and the GoldCap Young Heroes Programme, which
promotes healthy and active lifestyles among primary school children. Additionally, the BlueCap
Programme introduces physical education into school curriculums through partnerships with
schools.
The LBW Foundation was formed to tackle the greatest needs facing South Africa’s youngest
generations, who endure some of the highest rates of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in the
world. Since 2005, the foundation has been unlocking access to quality education and skills
development to empower youth to reach their full potential.
- What problem is your company trying to alleviate?
The LBW Foundation addresses critical issues such as unemployment, illiteracy, and sexual
health among youth in low-income communities. South Africa faces significant challenges, with over
62% of youth aged 15 to 24 unemployed. The foundation also recognizes the lack of access to quality
education and sports opportunities, which are essential for mental, physical, and emotional well
being. By tackling these issues, the foundation aims to reduce antisocial behavior, gang-related
activity, and extremism, which often stem from disaffection and disadvantage. - What programs or activities will your organization have to alleviate the above-mentioned
problem?
The LBW Foundation implements a range of programs to address these challenges:
- Scholarships: Providing financial support for primary and high school students to ensure
access to quality education. - Skills Training: Offering training programs for school leavers to equip them with employable
skills. - JumpStart Programme: Upskilling unemployed youth with sports and management skills to
unlock career potential. - GoldCap Young Heroes Programme: Encouraging primary school children to adopt healthy
and active lifestyles. - BlueCap Programme: Introducing physical education into school curriculums to promote
physical and mental well-being. - Mentorship: Guiding youth in sports careers and job placements.
- Sanitary Provision: Addressing basic needs by providing sanitary products to young girls,
ensuring they can attend school without interruption.
These programs are designed to create educational and sports opportunities, empowering youth to
break the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential.
- What is your company’s mission?
The LBW Foundation’s mission is to empower underserved youth to become confident, capable
leaders in their communities. The foundation provides a holistic support system that includes
mentorship, skill-building workshops, and innovative programs designed to nurture personal growth,
foster resilience, and unlock hidden potential. By creating opportunities for self-discovery and
achievement, the foundation aims to break cycles of disadvantage and inspire a new generation of
change-makers.
The foundation’s mission is encapsulated in the phrase: “Empowering Youth, Inspiring
Change.” This mission is supported by three core values:
- Empowerment: Providing mentorship, skill-building, and innovative programs to foster
personal growth and resilience. - Community Impact: Nurturing the next generation of leaders through tailored programs
that inspire self-discovery and capability. - Brighter Futures: Creating pathways for personal achievement and growth, aiming to unlock
hidden potential and guide individuals toward building a brighter future.
- How does or will your NPO benefit your community on a daily basis?
The LBW Foundation benefits the community daily through:
- Education Support: Paying school fees for primary and high school students, ensuring access
to education. - Mentorship: Providing guidance for youth pursuing sports careers or seeking employment.
- Sanitary Provision: Distributing sanitary products to young girls, enabling them to attend
school regularly. - Skills Development: Offering training programs that equip youth with skills for employment
and entrepreneurship. - Health and Well-being: Promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles through sports and
physical education programs.