Does Education Really Make a Difference?

Every year, as we welcome new scholarship recipients and celebrate the achievements of our alumnae, we’re reminded of a fundamental question:

Does providing access to quality education in South Africa really make a difference? 

According to Statistics South Africa, the national unemployment rate remains high at 32.1%, and even more troubling, 59.4% of youth (ages 15–24) are unemployed.

Education is often cited as the key to turning these numbers around—but is it truly delivering on its promise? It's a question worth asking because the challenges remain immense. 

Only 51.3% of South African youth aged 25–34 have completed Matric or the Matric equivalent.

Just 12% of South Africans aged 20 and older hold a tertiary qualification.

However, those with a tertiary qualification are 3 times more likely to be employed than those without.

On average, South Africans with a university degree earn 4.5 times more than those with only a high school certificate.

And here’s where your support makes all the difference.

At the Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of access to opportunity:

These numbers are staggering but they are not just numbers. These are doctors, teachers, engineers, actuarial scientists, CAs, graphic designers, performers, architects, investment bankers, software developers, biomedical technicians, occupational therapists and entrepreneurs—proof that education is a powerful multiplier.

So, does education make a difference?

Yes. Unequivocally. Absolutely.

But only when it’s accessible, consistent, and supported by a community that believes in each learner’s potential.

We are grateful that you are walking this journey with us. Because when one young woman succeeds, it ripples outward: into families, into communities, into the future of South Africa.

Thank you for being part of this impact.

Robyn Hill Manager: Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust ruthfirstjeppetrust@jeppegirls.co.za

Should you wish to make a donation, payment is accepted by SnapScan or eft to Absa, Eastgate, Branch code 632005, Account number 4076706321. Many thanks.