Will the Makers of Tomorrow Please Stand Up
They are the ones who dare to see the future. They are the ones who take plans out of WhatsApp groups. A fearless bunch. Are you a Maker Of Tomorrow? See, success is not microwavable; dreams don’t just come true. There’s a difference between those who become and those who don't. It’s up to you to make the right choice. Tomorrow is approaching, and we need the Makers of Tomorrow to make the right choice. And that starts with saying no to underage drinking. #NOtoU18 #MakersOfTomorrow
Aware Research Leaflet
Download the research
Get the latest insights into youth alcohol consumption in South Africa. Our 2024 national study, conducted with over 1,100 participants, explores underage drinking trends, the influence of peers and family, and the effectiveness of harm reduction campaigns.
By downloading this research leaflet, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how young people engage with alcohol, what drives their behaviour, and which prevention strategies resonate most. This evidence can help inform your decisions, shape interventions, and support healthier communities.
By downloading this research leaflet, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how young people engage with alcohol, what drives their behaviour, and which prevention strategies resonate most. This evidence can help inform your decisions, shape interventions, and support healthier communities.
Matric Class of 2025… this one’s for YOU!
Stand a chance to WIN an iPad by sharing your dreams for the future and why celebrating responsibly matters.
All you need to do is create a TikTok, use #AntiPens, tell us your dream, explain why responsible celebration is important, and tag @aware.org_za.
Your future matters. Your choices matter. Enter now!
All you need to do is create a TikTok, use #AntiPens, tell us your dream, explain why responsible celebration is important, and tag @aware.org_za.
Your future matters. Your choices matter. Enter now!
The Makers Circle Awards 2025
nominate now
What are The Makers Circle Awards?
The Makers Circle Awards are a national celebration of South Africa’s most inspiring under‑18 changemakers. Founded by AWARE.org, the awards recognise young people who say “#NOtoU18” alcohol use and “YES” to building a brighter future for themselves and their peers.
How It Works?
Call for Nominations - Friends, teachers, or community members nominate deserving 13‑17‑year‑olds online.
Screening & Shortlisting - Entries are checked for eligibility and impact; top nominees per category move forward.
Judging - A diverse panel reviews nominees using a clear scoring rubric to select 50 Makers.
Top 50 Reveal - The full list of Makers is published nationally via AWARE.org.
Awards Gala – Winners are honoured in Johannesburg at a high‑profile celebration.
The Makers Circle Awards 2025
Award Categories
For the everyday heroes helping others, leading change, or making a difference in someone’s life.
Community Upliftment
Celebrates young people who take initiative to uplift their communities. From volunteering to starting food drives, these changemakers tackle real challenges close to home.
Academics
Recognises learners who achieve outstanding academic results and help others do the same. They may tutor peers, lead study groups, or pursue knowledge beyond the classroom.
Sports
Honours young athletes who show talent, dedication, and strong values like teamwork and resilience. They often inspire others through both their performance and sportsmanship.
Arts & Culture
Shines a spotlight on youth using creativity to express themselves, preserve heritage, or share social messages. Includes music, dance, poetry, painting, theatre and more.
Entrepreneurship
Rewards youth who start projects or businesses that solve real problems or generate value in their communities. These are future leaders who turn ideas into action.
The Makers Circle Awards Terms and Conditions Apply
Celebrate. Pause. Dream
#AntiPens
As matric learners across the country prepare to close their books and raise their pens in triumph, a new story is taking shape, one that celebrates freedom, safety and the future.
This year, the alcohol-harm reduction organisation AWARE.org (AWARE) is inviting learners to reimagine what Pens Down can mean through Celebrate. Pause. Dream., a youth-led movement encouraging smart self-defined celebration.
This year, the alcohol-harm reduction organisation AWARE.org (AWARE) is inviting learners to reimagine what Pens Down can mean through Celebrate. Pause. Dream., a youth-led movement encouraging smart self-defined celebration.
Bernice Rikhotso Matriculant
“When I was three my biggest dream was to finish school at 17.”
Tumedi Makgoba Matriculant
“When I was twelve my biggest dream was to be an architect.”
Khulisiwe Makwala Matriculant
“When I was three my biggest dream was to be an engineer.”
Asande Madubela Matriculant
“When I was three my biggest dream was to be a charted accountant.”
Play. Earn. Win
Makers Circle Adventure:
Rise to the Top
Shape Your Tomorrow.
Step into Makers Circle Adventure, a fast-paced Roblox Obby inspired by real South African changemakers. Race through five achievement zones; Sport, Arts & Culture, Academics, Community Upliftment and Entrepreneurship, each designed to test your focus, resilience and decision-making.
But this isn’t just a game.
Each jump, sprint and dodge reflects the real choices young people make every day. Stay sharp, avoid distractions like irresponsible partying, doomscrolling and binge-watching, and show what’s possible when you make the right choice.
Compete against players across South Africa for a spot on the official leaderboard. Only the top 10 fastest players by 31 January 2026 will win the limited-edition Makers Circle UGC Backpack — a reward for those who rise above and stay true to their goals.
But this isn’t just a game.
Each jump, sprint and dodge reflects the real choices young people make every day. Stay sharp, avoid distractions like irresponsible partying, doomscrolling and binge-watching, and show what’s possible when you make the right choice.
Compete against players across South Africa for a spot on the official leaderboard. Only the top 10 fastest players by 31 January 2026 will win the limited-edition Makers Circle UGC Backpack — a reward for those who rise above and stay true to their goals.
