Cape Town, South Africa — In classrooms across South Africa, teachers are expected to do more than teach.
They are often asked to support learners facing trauma, poverty, violence, anxiety, barriers to learning and emotional distress, while also carrying the pressure of large classes, academic outcomes, administrative demands and their own wellbeing.
For many teachers, the weight has become too heavy.
The Difference Institute, a Cape Town-based organisation focused on teacher wellbeing and learner support, has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to help sponsor teachers to attend creative, play-based and experiential workshops designed to strengthen emotional regulation, trauma-informed teaching and inclusive classroom practice.
The campaign, The Difference Institute, has raised R14,000, reaching around 47% of its R30,000 goal, with support from 17 donors.
The campaign hopes to raise enough to support 100 teachers in 100 days, reaching at least 3,500 learners through the adults who spend their days guiding, teaching and caring for them.
Teachers Are Carrying More Than The Curriculum
In South Africa, many public school teachers interact with anywhere from 35 to more than 300 learners a day. Every interaction matters.
A teacher’s presence can inspire, motivate and create safety. But when teachers are overwhelmed, under-supported and emotionally exhausted, classrooms can become difficult spaces for both educators and learners.
“Our teachers are not okay,” founder Julia Daniels shares. “In many schools, they feel overwhelmed, stressed and ill-equipped to deal with the challenges confronting them in their classrooms every day, in addition to the enormous pressure to produce academic outcomes.”
Across the country, concerns about teacher burnout, overcrowding and retention continue to grow.
The Difference Institute believes that while one organisation cannot solve systemic inequality, it can help teachers feel more supported, better equipped and less alone.
Helping Teachers Hold Space For Learners
Learners are struggling too.
Many children arrive at school carrying experiences of violence, trauma, poverty, grief, anxiety and barriers to learning. In many communities, school needs to become more than a place of academic instruction. It needs to be a refuge.
The Difference Institute’s workshops are designed to help teachers navigate these realities with more confidence, empathy and practical tools.
The workshops use creative, play-based and experiential methods to support teachers with emotional regulation, connection, curiosity, imagination and classroom wellbeing.
They are grounded in research in critical pedagogy, psychology and neuroscience, and are professionally accredited so teachers can gain continuous professional development points.
The aim is to help educators facilitate learning in trauma-informed, inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming ways, while fostering empathy, kindness and a renewed enjoyment of learning.
The Goal: 100 Teachers In 100 Days
The campaign’s goal is clear: sponsor 100 teachers in 100 days.
Each 3-hour workshop costs R300 per teacher, meaning even a small donation can help place a teacher in a space of support, reflection and practical learning.
If 100 teachers attend, The Difference Institute estimates that at least 3,500 learners could be impacted.
For many learners, one teacher who feels more regulated, connected and equipped can change the tone of a classroom.
For teachers, the workshops offer more than training. They offer breathing room, community and practical strategies they can carry back into their schools.
As Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said: “The tidal wave of change begins with a million ripples.”
This campaign is about creating those ripples, one teacher at a time.
Real Impact In Classrooms
Teachers and school leaders who have attended The Difference Institute’s workshops have already shared how meaningful the experience has been.
“The workshop evoked a renewed sense of hope,” shared Tammy-Lee, a teacher from the Cape Flats. “Sometimes we as educators become despondent and see a learner as ‘naughty’ when in actual fact the child is communicating a need with us.”
Rodger, a principal from Stellenbosch, said the workshop helped teachers feel empowered and motivated to explore new approaches.
“Teachers left the workshop feeling empowered and motivated to explore innovative approaches in their classrooms,” he shared. “This newfound confidence and enthusiasm have translated into tangible improvements in our teaching practices, ultimately benefiting the academic and personal growth of our students.”
More Than A Workshop
The Difference Institute’s work extends beyond once-off sessions.
The organisation also hosts free community support and conversation spaces for teachers and support staff in the education ecosystem, facilitates communities of practice, develops targeted resources for teachers and schools, and supports leadership teams.
Its broader mission is to help build classrooms where teachers feel supported and learners feel seen, understood and able to learn.
The campaign also invites people to nominate a teacher, school or themselves for sponsorship.
Community Support Needed
The BackaBuddy campaign has already raised nearly half of its target, but continued support is needed to reach more teachers before the campaign closes.
Every R300 can sponsor one teacher to attend a workshop.
Every donation helps strengthen the adults who are holding classrooms together under difficult conditions.
Every share helps the campaign reach someone who believes teachers deserve support too.
To support The Difference Institute’s campaign, visit their BackaBuddy campaign page.
For more information about The Difference Institute, visit their website or contact them at [email protected].
Mental health challenges affect millions of people, yet access to support remains out of reach for many.
Whether it’s therapy, counselling, psychiatric care, rehabilitation programmes, crisis support, or mental health awareness initiatives, the cost of accessing help can be a significant barrier. At the same time, many organisations providing vital mental health services rely heavily on public support to keep their programmes running.
This is where mental health crowdfunding is making a meaningful difference.
Across South Africa, individuals, communities, and organisations are using crowdfunding to fund access to care, support mental health initiatives, and help ensure that nobody has to face their struggles alone.
Why Mental Health Funding Matters
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health conditions account for a significant portion of the global burden of disease, yet many people never receive the care they need.
Closer to home, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that many South Africans face barriers to accessing mental healthcare, including affordability, stigma, and a shortage of available services.
For individuals seeking therapy or treatment, costs can quickly add up. For organisations providing mental health support, maintaining helplines, counselling services, and awareness programmes requires ongoing funding.
This is where community support can have a tangible impact.
How Mental Health Crowdfunding Supports Access to Care
Mental health crowdfunding takes many forms. Some campaigns help individuals access therapy, rehabilitation, psychiatric treatment, or recovery support. Others help fund organisations working on the frontlines of mental health care. Many do both.
What they all have in common is a community coming together to make support more accessible.
Supporting Mental Health Services Through Recurring Giving
One organisation that has used crowdfunding to build sustainable support is the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). As Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy organisation, SADAG provides counselling, support groups, awareness campaigns, and life-saving helplines to thousands of people every year.
Through the Humankind Project: Humans Helping Humans, supporters can contribute through recurring monthly donations, helping sustain mental health services over the long term. The campaign demonstrates an important reality about mental health funding: support is often needed every day, not only during moments of crisis.
The Power of Monthly Giving
Recurring donations allow organisations to plan ahead, expand services, and respond when people need help most. BackaBuddy’s Donors for Life programme helps organisations build communities of recurring supporters who contribute monthly towards causes they care about.
For organisations interested in growing sustainable donor communities, BackaBuddy also hosts workshops and support sessions through the Donors for Life initiative.
Takeaway: While once-off donations are valuable, recurring giving can help create long-term stability for mental health organisations.
Turning Personal Challenges Into Community Action
Mental health crowdfunding is not limited to organisations. Many individuals have used BackaBuddy to raise awareness, fund mental health support, and create conversations around emotional well-being. A powerful example is Walking for Mental Health, a campaign created by Penelope van Maasdyk.
Rather than simply asking for donations, Penelope used a 1,000km walking journey across Spain as a platform to advocate for mental health, storytelling, healing, and connection. Her campaign raised funds while also encouraging conversations about depression, trauma, grief, recovery, and the importance of seeking support.
The campaign highlights something important: crowdfunding can raise awareness just as effectively as it raises funds.
Takeaway: Sometimes a fundraising campaign becomes a vehicle for changing conversations and reducing stigma.
When Communities Champion Mental Health Causes
One of the most powerful aspects of crowdfunding is that supporters don’t always need to be the direct beneficiary. Through BackaBuddy’s Champion Fundraising model, individuals can create campaigns in support of organisations or causes they care about.
This could look like:
Running a marathon for a mental health charity
Hosting a community event to support a counselling programme
Completing a challenge to raise awareness and funds
Creating a campaign in honour of someone affected by mental illness
Champion fundraising allows people to turn personal passions into practical support for mental health causes.
Case Study: Moving4Mind
A recent example is Moving4Mind, a campaign created by Stellenbosch University student Josh. To raise awareness around mental health challenges among young people, Josh committed to running 300 kilometres from Elands Bay to Table Mountain. The goal wasn’t simply fundraising. It was to start conversations around mental health, resilience, and asking for help.
The campaign raised more than R46 000, helping support mental health helpline services through Miles for Smiles and Cipla South Africa.
His campaign demonstrates how individuals can mobilise communities around a cause while helping fund practical support services.
Takeaway: Champion campaigns create opportunities for people to advocate, educate, and fundraise simultaneously.
Keeping Supporters Connected
Mental health campaigns often resonate deeply because they involve personal journeys. Keeping donors informed through campaign updates helps maintain trust, encourages ongoing support, and reminds people of the impact they are helping create.
Updates might include:
Therapy milestones
Programme outcomes
Awareness campaign achievements
Helpline statistics
Recovery progress
Community impact stories
BackaBuddy campaign updates can be posted directly from your campaign dashboard, helping supporters remain connected to the journey or you can send your update to our team to send out to your donors on your behalf.
Why BackaBuddy Works for Mental Health Fundraising
Mental health fundraising requires more than a donation button. It requires trust, compassion, and a platform that allows people to tell their stories safely and authentically.
BackaBuddy helps individuals and organisations:
Launch dedicated fundraising campaigns or organisations pages
Accept secure online donations
Receive recurring monthly donations
Share campaign updates
Mobilise Champion Fundraisers
Build long-term donor communities
Reach supporters across South Africa and beyond
Whether you’re raising funds for therapy, supporting a mental health organisation, funding rehabilitation, or creating awareness around an important issue, crowdfunding can help connect people who need support with people who want to help.
Our Final Thoughts
Mental health challenges can feel isolating. Crowdfunding reminds people that they don’t have to navigate those challenges alone.
Whether it’s helping someone access therapy, funding a crisis helpline, supporting a rehabilitation programme, or raising awareness around mental wellbeing, every donation contributes towards a larger community of care. And when communities come together around mental health, they do more than raise funds. They help make support more accessible, conversations more open, and hope a little easier to find.
South Africa has hundreds of registered animal welfare organisations, SPCAs, and independent rescue groups caring for abandoned, neglected, and injured animals every day. While many rely on donations to keep their doors open, veterinary costs, food prices, and operational expenses continue to rise.
Crowdfunding has become one of the ways organisations are closing that gap, allowing communities to directly support rescue work as it happens.
Every Rescue Story Starts With One Animal
People don’t donate to shelters because they like statistics. They donate because they met Paul. Or Clementine. Or the abandoned puppy needing emergency surgery.
Here are some inspiring examples of organisations that have turned powerful rescue stories into meaningful community support through BackaBuddy.
Recycling for Animal Welfare (RAW)
Recycling for Animal Welfare (RAW) began with the rescue of a tiny puppy named Paul. Inspired by his survival, Judy Knox and John Ancill built a grassroots rescue organisation, funding much of their work by collecting and recycling glass and cardboard.
As veterinary costs continued to grow, recycling alone could no longer cover the demand. Their BackaBuddy campaign gave supporters another way to help, bridging the gap so they could continue rescuing and caring for animals in need.
Rather than replacing their recycling model, BackaBuddy allowed supporters to bridge the gap when veterinary costs exceeded what recycling alone could cover.
Transparency Builds Trust
Pekingese Haven, which cares for more than 60 rescued and abandoned Pekingese dogs, is a great example. As veterinary costs continued to rise, the organisation launched a BackaBuddy campaign explaining that funds would go directly towards settling growing vet bills and ensuring every dog received the treatment and care it needed. Regular updates keep supporters informed, and the campaign is still exceeding its fundraising goal.
When donors can clearly see where their money is going and the difference it will make, they’re more likely to support a campaign with confidence.
Be transparent about your needs. Explaining how donations will be used and staying engaged with your tribe helps build trust and encourages ongoing support.
Building a Tribe, Not Just Raising Funds
While emergency appeals are important, many animal welfare organisations also need a reliable monthly income to cover everyday expenses like food, veterinary care, medication, and shelter.
Building a community of recurring donors can provide greater financial stability and reduce the need for constant crisis fundraising. Through BackaBuddy’s Donors for Life initiative, organisations can learn how to grow a sustainable giving community using tools such as recurring donations, supporter engagement, and regular campaign updates.
Monthly giving helps create a more predictable source of income, allowing organisations to focus on caring for animals rather than continually raising funds.
Organisations interested in building a recurring giving community can contact [email protected] to learn more about the Donors for Life programme.
Champion Fundraising Helps Supporters Become Advocates
While recurring donors provide long-term stability, some supporters choose to make an impact differently, by fundraising on behalf of an organisation.
A great example was Purpose In Every Stroke, where Alon Sarembock took on the challenge of swimming from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand to raise funds for SANCCOB and its vital seabird rescue and rehabilitation work. Although he wasn’t part of the organisation, his passion for ocean conservation inspired him to rally his own community, raising more than R20,000 through his BackaBuddy campaign.
BackaBuddy’s Champion Fundraising feature allows anyone to do the same, whether it’s taking on a sporting challenge, celebrating a birthday, or hosting an event in support of a cause they care about.
There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Campaign
Crowdfunding isn’t only for emergencies. The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary uses BackaBuddy to raise ongoing support for the care of more than 140 rescued donkeys, encouraging supporters to become monthly custodians through recurring donations. Other organisations use crowdfunding to fund emergency surgeries, sterilisation drives, wildfire relief, feeding programmes, or much-needed infrastructure upgrades.
The most successful organisations don’t just raise funds, they build a community around their mission. By sharing regular updates, celebrating rescue stories and adoptions, and showing the real impact of every donation, supporters become part of the journey. Over time, that community becomes a tribe of people who return, share the story, and continue making a difference.
The strongest campaigns combine a clear purpose with authentic storytelling, helping supporters feel connected to the organisation and the animals whose lives they’re changing.
Giving Your Community the Tools to Help
Every rescue organisation begins with people who refuse to walk past an animal in need. Crowdfunding gives those organisations another way to invite the public into that mission.
Whether you’re responding to an emergency veterinary bill, funding a sterilisation drive, keeping a sanctuary operating, or building long-term support, BackaBuddy helps make it easier for people to get involved. Dedicated campaign pages, secure donations, recurring giving, Champion Fundraising, and campaign updates all help organisations share their needs clearly and keep supporters connected to the story.
The easier it is for people to support your work and see the difference they are making, the easier it becomes to grow a community that stands beside you for the long haul.
Every donation becomes part of another animal’s story.
Pretoria, Gauteng — Two Grade 8 learners from Gauteng North are preparing to represent South Africa on the international stage after achieving a groundbreaking milestone in the country’s science fair history.
Johan Vorster of Pretoria Boys High School and Gustav Heesen of Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool have been selected to compete at the prestigious Genius Olympiad in Rochester, New York, following a remarkable rise through South Africa’s science competition circuit.
Making History in South African Science
The pair first drew national attention in 2025 when, as Grade 7 learners, they became the first students of their age group ever to win the Overall Title at the Gauteng North Imbewu Science Fair, competing against and outperforming older learners across multiple grades.
Their award-winning project focused on an accessible, AI-driven solution designed to support teachers managing overcrowded classrooms.
“Both boys were fascinated by the rise of AI and tools like ChatGPT, and had already started experimenting with coding during a previous expo project,” the family shared. “Gustav is exposed to a lot of conversations around technology and innovation at home, while Johan has insight into the real challenges faced by teachers, especially in rural areas, through his mother’s work in education. Their excitement about new technology and their desire to make a meaningful impact eventually came together in one project.”
Their achievement marked a historic moment for the competition and highlighted the growing potential of young South African innovators.
A Passion for Innovation at a Young Age
Johan and Gustav’s interest in science and innovation began long before their award-winning project.
“Johan and Gustav were in the same class and naturally challenged each other to think differently and find better, faster ways of doing things,” the family explained. “Gustav has always had a strong interest in science, watching science shows from a young age and doing backyard experiments with his dad. Their shared curiosity and competitive spirit helped fuel their passion for innovation.”
The pair say becoming the first Grade 7 learners to win the Gauteng North Imbewu Science Fair overall title was an emotional moment.
“There were a lot of tears, we are still in disbelief,” they shared. “We worked incredibly hard on the project, putting in long hours over weekends and evenings. Winning showed us that age doesn’t matter when you are willing to put in the effort and believe in what you’re building.”
From National Recognition to the Global Stage
Their success continued into 2026, when they competed at the South African Youth Environmental and Science Symposium (SAYESS), earning the title of Second Runner-Up nationally. That performance secured them an invitation to represent South Africa and the Imbewu Science Fair at the Genius Olympiad, one of the world’s leading international competitions for high school science and innovation.
For Johan and Gustav, the opportunity represents far more than travel.
“For us, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” they said. “We are incredibly proud to represent South Africa and to show that young South African scientists can compete on a global stage.”
The Olympiad will bring together some of the brightest young scientific minds from around the world, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from global peers, and showcase South African innovation internationally.
“They are very excited to see the incredible ideas and projects from learners around the world,” the family added. “They hope to learn from others, gain new perspectives, and bring back inspiration to share with their friends and peers, encouraging them to pursue their own ideas seriously.”
Building Solutions for South African Schools
Beyond the competition itself, the boys hope their innovation can eventually make a real difference in South African classrooms.
“They are working towards developing a mobile-friendly app that can help teachers save time by automating tasks like marking tests and exams,” the family explained. “This would allow teachers to focus more on teaching.”
The long-term goal is to create accessible tools that help educators identify learning gaps early and support learners more effectively.
“They also hope their solution will help identify learning gaps early, giving learners more support and helping them reach their full potential, and ultimately showing that learners can achieve more than expected.”
Community Support Needed
While the invitation to compete internationally is a major honour, the cost of international travel remains a significant challenge. Flights, accommodation, registration fees, visas, travel insurance, and transport costs still need to be covered to ensure the boys can take up this opportunity.
If you are unable to donate, sharing their story can help reach others who can.
To support Johan Vorster and Gustav Heesen, visit their BackaBuddy campaign page here.
Barrydale, Western Cape — A young athlete from the small farming town of Barrydale has earned the opportunity to represent South Africa in Europe after being selected for the WSS Western Cape Schools Athletics Tour taking place from 27 June to 18 July 2026.
Aushwin-Leigh Jantjies, a learner at Barrydale High School, has been selected to take part in the international athletics tour after an extraordinary rise in the sport.
Although he only started participating in athletics in 2023, Aushwin-Leigh has already made history as the first athlete from Barrydale High School, and the town of Barrydale, to reach this level of achievement.
He currently runs the 400m in an impressive 48.19 seconds.
A Dream Bigger Than One Athlete
For Aushwin-Leigh, this opportunity is more than a personal milestone.
It is a dream shared by his family, school, and wider Barrydale community, many of whom have watched him train, grow, and believe despite limited resources.
For a young athlete from a rural town, opportunities like this are rare.
“To wear the South African flag on an international stage is a dream bigger than himself,” the campaign shares.
Talent Built Through Sacrifice
Aushwin-Leigh has earned his place through sacrifice, discipline, and raw talent.
While many athletes have access to proper training facilities, sponsorships, and structured support, he has had to pursue his dream with very little.
His community is made up largely of farm workers and working families, many of whom work tirelessly to provide for their households. Raising the full cost of the tour locally is therefore extremely difficult.
Early Support Has Started the Journey
A BackaBuddy campaign launched by Carly Booysen has already raised R1,620 toward the R100,000 needed to help cover the cost of the international tour.
Nine donors have stepped forward in the first few days, helping begin the journey toward getting Aushwin-Leigh to Europe.
The funds raised will assist with travel, tour expenses, accommodation, and the costs linked to representing South Africa abroad.
A Future Olympic Dream
Aushwin-Leigh hopes this tour will help him continue developing as an athlete and move closer to his dream of one day becoming an Olympian.
For his supporters, the campaign is about making sure poverty does not stand between a talented young athlete and an opportunity he has already earned.
“No child should lose the opportunity to represent South Africa because of poverty,” the campaign shares.
How the Public Can Help
Supporters can contribute to Aushwin-Leigh’s campaign or help by sharing his story with schools, athletics clubs, businesses, sports supporters, and community networks.
To support Aushwin-Leigh Jantjies’ journey to represent South Africa in Europe, visit his BackaBuddy campaign page here.
