by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – GIRLUNLIMITED Foundation has reaffirmed its mission to transform the lives of disadvantaged high-school girls after hosting its fourth annual High Tea on Saturday.
The prestigious gathering brought together business leaders, community advocates, and supporters to celebrate achievements and raise critical funds for the foundation’s expanding programmes.
The event was marked by moving testimonies from alumnae who shared how GirlUnlimited’s support helped them overcome adversity and excel academically.
Live performances, networking sessions, and a silent auction created a dynamic fundraising atmosphere, with proceeds dedicated to scaling up mentorship networks, mental-wellbeing workshops, and academic assistance in 2026.
The High Tea also underscored the power of corporate-community partnerships, with support from organisations including Standard Bank and McDonald’s South Africa.
McDonald’s, celebrating 30 years in the country through its Together Mzansi initiative, highlighted the role of private sector backing in advancing youth empowerment.
Portia Nondo, co-founder of GirlUnlimited, emphasised the long-term vision of the foundation.
“The struggles our girls face—whether missing school due to lack of basic resources or growing up without emotional support—are real. Our programmes exist to bridge those gaps. We are not about quick fixes but about measurable, lasting change,” Nondo said.
She stressed that the organisation is designed as a five-year journey, guiding participants from Grade 8 through matric, ensuring they graduate with confidence, skills, and opportunities for higher education.
GirlUnlimited’s model integrates STEM education, entrepreneurial training, financial literacy, and personal mentorship, introducing girls to career paths in engineering, medicine, aviation, and entrepreneurship.
Beyond academics, participants gain hands-on work experience in McDonald’s restaurants during school holidays.
“These young women often come from single-parent households, child-headed families, or traumatic circumstances,” Nondo added.
“By empowering a girl, you empower a family, and in turn, an entire community. Our vision is to create not just educated graduates, but future leaders with global impact.”
With its mission to empower through education, GirlUnlimited continues to provide unprecedented opportunities, inspiring girls to break barriers and transform their futures.
For more information or to support the programme, visit: www.girlunlimited.co.za, or email: admin@girlunlimited.co.za
– CAJ News
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