A Message to the Class of 2026
From the Class of 2025
Welcome to a new school year and a brand-new chapter.
This is your time to learn, grow, and start shaping the future you want for yourself. Along the way, the choices you make matter. Choosing NO to underage drinking is one of the most powerful decisions you can make to protect your health, your focus, and your dreams.
Being alcohol-free under 18 is about backing yourself, choosing clarity, confidence, and the freedom to become your best self. It’s how Makers of Tomorrow are built. We’re cheering you on as you step into a year of positive choices, big goals, and endless possibility.
Welcome to the journey.
#NOtoU18 #MakersOfTomorrow #MakeTheRightChoice
This is your time to learn, grow, and start shaping the future you want for yourself. Along the way, the choices you make matter. Choosing NO to underage drinking is one of the most powerful decisions you can make to protect your health, your focus, and your dreams.
Being alcohol-free under 18 is about backing yourself, choosing clarity, confidence, and the freedom to become your best self. It’s how Makers of Tomorrow are built. We’re cheering you on as you step into a year of positive choices, big goals, and endless possibility.
Welcome to the journey.
#NOtoU18 #MakersOfTomorrow #MakeTheRightChoice
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.
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
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.
