17/06/2026
According to StatsSA, Youth (those between 15–34) make up approximately 33.1% to 34.3% of South Africa’s total population, numbering around 21 million individuals as of early 2025.
This large demographic has historically been central to the country's social and economic landscape and they face significant challenges, including a high youth unemployment rate.
While LtE’s skills courses are open to anyone over the age of 18, this year alone 68% of those on our campus are/have been between 18-34.
Many were told about LtE by their parents, family member, and neighbours, who themselves have experienced LtE’s holistic skills development programmes or through their own life experience see value in LtE’s offerings.
Zenande completed the Barista course and recently graduated she had this to share: ‘I am the second born in my family and matriculated in 2023. I have been getting piece jobs here and there but nothing to gloat about. I am a 23-year-old, who is faced with unemployment. Before the barista course I can say that my life had no direction. I didn’t know what I liked but now I see myself going somewhere with the skills I have.’
Zenande and many other young South African’s are on the way to changing the outcomes of their stories from places of disillusionment to lives of success and financial independence, testifying to Ground Up Barista Academy’s tag line of Hope in every cup and Learn to Earn’s vision of eradicating unemployment. Indlala Iphelile – Poverty is Over
