Hello, I'm Maletje!
Driven by a deep conviction that conventional schooling is just one of many paths to fulfillment, my work is fueled by a passion for sports and a commitment to exploring alternative spaces of learning and progression. I long for a future where young people can fully express themselves through what they love; turning their innate passions into the very engine that sustains their way of life and integrates them meaningfully into society. This vision shapes both my research and my hands-on community work. Over the past decade, I have focused on understanding how informal and non-formal education can unlock doors for youth who have been marginalized or excluded from mainstream academic and economic systems. Currently, I channel this drive into two core initiatives: Co-Leading the Regenerative African Youth Futures Cluster (under the Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre Project), where we amplify vibrant African youth voices to actively shape the narrative around sustainability. Coordinating the UNICEF YOMA Green Learn 2 Earn Project, where I focus on building digital learning and earning pathways that directly dismantle economic and educational barriers for young people. My journey is backed by 10 years of experience in community-based developmental work and youth mentorship.
My Story
My work is deeply rooted in where I come from. Growing up in a village, I experienced firsthand what it means to be left on the margins of national economic and social development—systems that almost always prioritize urban centers. Living outside of that progress sparked my lifelong commitment to answering a fundamental question: How do we make development truly inclusive? My passion for youth development is driven by a simple, undeniable truth: the talent is everywhere, but the opportunity is not. I do this work because I refuse to accept that a young person's potential should be limited by their geography. My mission is to build the missing bridges so that the brilliant youth in our villages finally have the platform to express their passions, sustain their livelihoods, and take their rightful place in society.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
+27767519447