Our holistic approach is informed by experts in the fields of education, recreation, and social work, and insights collected during our 3.5-year pilot with the Royal Bafokeng Nation. 

In 2015, IAWA selected 21 grade 8 learners to participate in our pilot.  86% of the 21 Ambassadors (program participants) stayed in the pilot for its 3.5-year duration. Our programming helped our ambassadors develop the social and emotional skills that are needed to pursue their dreams and goals. Goals and aspirations are an expression of the intrinsic motivation that guides personal as well as greater human development. An essential partner to these skills is the confidence and self-awareness required to fulfill these dreams and seek out opportunity as well as being comfortable to deal with disappointments when they come. Self-confidence and awareness give youth the resiliency needed to pursue their dreams.