GirlUnlimited welcomes 35 girls into 2026 programme and calls for support to scale proven impact

GirlUnlimited, a community-based foundation empowering disadvantaged high school girls in Kathorus through education, is celebrating the successful recruitment of its 2026 cohort, with 35 girls from grade 8 to 11 selected to participate in the programme.
GirlUnlimited’s recruitment works closely with schools, teachers and school leadership to identify girls facing socio-economic challenges while demonstrating academic potential and commitment. This school-based approach ensures that support reaches those who need it most while preserving dignity, trust and community ownership.
The 35 girls will receive holistic, year-long support focused on academic development,
mentorship, life and soft skills, psychosocial and financial support, industry exposure and a
culture of global citizenship.
Since its inception, GirlUnlimited has delivered three consecutive years of programme support,
supported girls progressing into South African universities, celebrated the international
achievement of a beneficiary accepted to pursue tertiary studies in Japan, and contributed to
inter-generational impact, including a mother of a beneficiary returning to university to further
her own education.
“GirlUnlimited was created to change not only the trajectory of girls’ lives, but the mindset of

families and communities,” said Portia Nondo, McDOnald’s South Africa Franchisee and Co-
Founder of GirlUnlimited. “When a girl begins to believe in her own potential, that belief

spreads. We have seen mothers return to study, families re-imagine what is possible, and
communities rally around education as a shared responsibility.”
“This cycle marks a true milestone in our growth. We set out to double our intake, and we did. It
is a moment we want to pause on, celebrate and share with all of you because none of it would
have been possible without the community that stands behind us.” Commented Batetshi
Matenge, Co-Founder of GirlUnlimited.

Millicent Maroga, Director Impact at McDonald’s South Africa said “Supporting initiatives led by
franchisees and rooted in the communities where they operate is an important part of creating

meaningful, sustainable impact. For McDonald’s South Africa, supporting initiatives such as
GirlUnlimited is about recognising and strengthening the impact that our Franchisees are
already making in their communities. When we support programmes that invest directly in
young people, we are helping create opportunities that can benefit not only the individual girls,
but their families and communities for years to come.”
For the girls selected, the programme represents an opportunity to build confidence, access
support and see new possibilities for their futures.
“I am so happy and honoured to be selected as one of the girls to join GirlUnlimited. It feels
amazing to be chosen for such an inspiring proramme and I cant wait to start the journey. This
opportunity means so much to me and I am excited for what is to come.” Neo Malinga from
Ponego Secondary School.
Parents have also welcomed the opportunity and the wider impact of the programme.
Says Zamani Mjiyakho father to Amani who has been one of the new recruits “As a parent, it
means a lot to me, from day one, my daughter told me about the Girl Unlimited Education
Foundation. I could see in her heart that she was more than happy. Since then, I have seen a
different girl, more committed to her studies than before, with confidence in everything she
presents.
GirlUnlimited emphasises that its impact is made possible through collaboration between
schools, families, community members, volunteers, partners, donors and corporate
supporters.
The foundation is seeking funding support to deliver the 2026 programme for the 35 girls,
funding academic support, wellbeing, mentorship and exposure opportunities throughout the
year.
“Our impact to date shows what is possible when communities work together,” said Nondo.
“Every success is a shared success. With the right partnerships, we can remove barriers to
education and give more girls the opportunity to realise their potential.”
With its 2026 cohort now in place, GirlUnlimited is calling on funders, corporate partners,
advocates and media partners to support the next phase of its work and help ensure that more
girls can access the education, guidance and opportunities they need to thrive.