From potential to opportunity

Young people in rural communities have dreams as big and varied as anyone else.

They want to become pilots, teachers, entrepreneurs, judges, engineers and professionals. But ambition alone cannot overcome a lack of access to work experience, networks, information and opportunities.

Ripples for Change creates pathways that help young people move from potential into the world of work.

Our approach

We believe employment programmes should be about more than placing someone in a temporary position.

Work experience can be a first opportunity to discover strengths, develop confidence, learn workplace behaviour and understand what comes next.

Our programmes combine employment opportunities with practical skills, personal growth and exposure to different possibilities.

What we do

• Create temporary employment and work experience opportunities
• Support youth placements in rural communities
• Provide workplace and employability skills
• Conduct aptitude and strengths assessments
• Help young people explore career pathways
• Develop practical training and learning materials
• Connect young entrepreneurs with mentors

Our impact

Over the past three years, we have supported the placement of approximately 882 young people through youth employment opportunities.

In 2026 alone, 400 young people are being employed through National Youth Service opportunities in areas including education assistance, farming, computer skills teaching, administration etc.

For many, it was their first experience of the workplace.

Beyond a first job

A first job can be a beginning.

We want young people to leave our programmes with a better understanding of themselves, greater confidence and practical experience that they can carry into their next opportunity.

Our long term goal is to create more pathways from rural communities into meaningful employment, entrepreneurship and further learning.