Big Ideas Bishops
PILOT PROJECT
We are a passionate team of students working to revamp the kitchen, bring in new equipment, and create a more supportive environment for all learners at the Craft School.
Transforming the school kitchen into a modern, welcoming space where learners can enjoy meals in comfort and style.
Investing in quality equipment that improves the daily experience for every learner at the Craft School.
Creating an environment where learners feel supported, valued, and inspired to do their best every single day.
Craft School South Africa is transforming the lives of young South Africans by providing free vocational craft education, business training, personal development, and practical support that equips them with the skills and confidence to build sustainable careers or start their own businesses.
Our project supports the Craft School by revamping the kitchen, bringing in new equipment, and helping create a more supportive environment for every learner there. Visit Craft School South Africa →
Every contribution brings us closer to a better kitchen, new equipment, and a more supportive experience for every learner at the Craft School.
Craft School South Africa is transforming the lives of young South Africans by providing free vocational craft education, business training, personal development, and practical support that equips them with the skills and confidence to build sustainable careers or start their own businesses.
The Craft School defines craft as an “occupation, trade, or activity requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill” — and builds an entire year of learning around it. Their first campus opened in Cape Town in 2026, with a second planned for Johannesburg in 2027 and further schools in Stellenbosch and around the country through to 2030.
Their students are young South Africans between the ages of 16 and 25 who have completed Grade 10. Over one year they learn a craft alongside business and entrepreneurial skills, in a course deliberately designed to simulate a real work environment rather than a classroom. The school is going through accreditation with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, so graduates leave with a recognised QCTO certificate behind them.
Weaving and spinning, fabric painting, and screen and block printing.
Joinery, rattan weaving, upholstery, restoration, repair and finishing.
Cut, make and trim — working with fabrics, embroidery and sewing.
Soldering and welding, making furniture, gates and smaller pieces.
The Craft School looks after its students well beyond the workshop. Meals are provided during the school day, along with a morning and evening snack bag — which is exactly where our project comes in, since a working kitchen sits at the centre of all of it.
Students cook together and for each other, work in teams, and volunteer both inside the school and outside it with partner charities. They also attend regular group therapy sessions with a qualified social worker, giving them tools to navigate and rise above the challenges of their home environments.
The Cape Town campus doubles as a hub for craft in the community, working with the Institute of Craft and the Cape Town Fringe Festival of the Arts, and giving craft guilds a home for their meetings, presentations and fairs.
Every contribution brings us closer to a better kitchen, new equipment, and a more supportive experience for every learner at the Craft School.
Fundraisers, visits and milestones on the way to a better experience for every learner.
Every contribution brings us closer to a better kitchen, new equipment, and a more supportive experience for every learner at the Craft School.
25+ passionate students working across five departments to build a better experience for every learner at the Craft School.
Every contribution brings us closer to a better kitchen, new equipment, and a more supportive experience for every learner at the Craft School.