Estcourt Secondary School has been named the Best Performing Jumpstart Club for 2025 after completing an impressive 14 community-driven projects in just 10 months. The award, presented personally by Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, recognises outstanding youth leadership and social impact.

The presentation and handover took place at the organisation’s head office in Pietermaritzburg, where learners were celebrated for their club’s extraordinary performance.

Jumpstart, powered by Gift of the Givers, is a free youth development and leadership programme offered to high schools across South Africa. While clubs are expected to complete at least three projects a year, Estcourt Secondary far exceeded expectations with initiatives ranging from environmental clean-ups and food-garden production to feeding schemes, awareness campaigns, tiling seven classrooms, and supporting the elderly.

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Sooliman praised the learners for their determination and community spirit. “Jumpstart is here to support you in becoming future leaders, change makers and ambassadors for social good. Do it not for status, but for the betterment of society,” he said.

Jumpstart programme manager Shameemah Jahed commended the school for embodying the programme’s core values of accountability, empathy, creativity and ethical leadership. She noted that the trophy was intentionally not announced earlier to encourage learners to act without expecting rewards.

Grade 11 learner Marlin Jacobs received the Superhero of Jumpstart 2025 Award for his exceptional leadership in co-ordinating the club’s activities. School principal Mrs Marilyn Jordon-Donnelly, along with educators Fezile Mayasela and Shafia Sukram, were also praised for guiding and supporting the learners.

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