About Us

The HURP Story: Empowering Rural South Africa

Hands Up for Reaching Potential (HURP) began in 2017 with a powerful mission: to combat poverty and create opportunities for South Africa’s rural communities. With WRSETA’s support, we launched our pilot project in Rheenendal, Western Cape, aiming to empower youth, single mothers, and individuals with disabilities.

HURP quickly grew beyond a learnership program, fostering community sustainability through training in project management, administration, and mentorship. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, HURP celebrated a major milestone in August 2022, graduating 120 students and 17 mentors, demonstrating the impact of our work.

In 2021, we expanded nationally, embracing e-learning to bridge the ICT skills gap and provide rural students with the tools to succeed in the digital age. Aligned with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), HURP continues to unlock employment opportunities and drive inclusive growth.

HURP is more than an initiative; it’s a movement transforming lives and building a brighter future for rural South Africa. Join us in empowering the next generation.

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Our Mission

HURP is driven by the belief in the transformative power of education. Our mission is to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing real-world occupational qualifications. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating a learning experience that not only imparts theoretical knowledge but also equips students with the practical skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

Our Vision

HURP envisions a future where Africa leapfrogs into economic transformation, closing the ICT skills gap that hinders growth. We strive to be a catalyst for progress, fostering a culture of innovation, adaptability, and excellence in every student we nurture.

The Objective

To create an EMPOWERMENT ZONE where:
Unemployed youth can dream big and write their own story, local businesses can get in the game by providing workplace experience, local government can turn up the volume in their support efforts to the community and allowing all stakeholders to build a collaborative, sustainable, economically active future for all.

Message from the Founder:

Charlene Wenhold

With over 15 years of experience in education and accreditation. Our commitment is driven by a deep belief in the potential of every individual and a strong dedication to helping them overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.

Inspired by Sebastian Thrun’s insight that “the true value proposition of education is employment,” we are dedicated to educating 5,000 rural youth by 2030. Our goal is to provide young people with the opportunity to write their own stories and build brighter futures.

Additionally, we are committed to addressing hunger by ensuring that children do not go to school on an empty stomach. We aim to feed children in need, recognizing that proper nourishment is essential for their academic success and overall well-being.

Passionate about uplifting youth, single mothers, and people with disabilities, we strive to inspire and transform lives through our leadership and vision, one story at a time.

Thank you to our partners