Brownie Points empowering South Africa’s non-profit workforce

At CN&CO, we are proud to celebrate the extraordinary work being done by our client, Brownie Points, a South African social enterprise that is reshaping the way learning and employment opportunities are accessed in underserved communities. In partnership with global online education platform Alison, Brownie Points is unlocking access to free, accredited learning for thousands of non-profit workers across South Africa. And the results are nothing short of transformative.

Backed by the Presidential Employment Stimulus and the Social Employment Fund (SEF), this ambitious initiative is already making waves. Since October 2022, Brownie Points has helped learners from five provinces engage with Alison’s LMS+, a flexible platform offering over 5,500 free online courses.

This isn’t just about ticking boxes. The programme has seen a 24% success rate in transitioning learners into permanent jobs, further studies or entrepreneurial ventures, nearly doubling previous metrics.

“We’re not just running a training programme,” says Pascale du Toit, CEO and Founder of Brownie Points. “We’re helping people access opportunities they were previously excluded from and reclaim dignity in their work.”

From digital fluency to healthcare knowledge, sustainability to small business skills, learners are engaging deeply, completing an average of three courses each – often for the first time in their lives. And it’s not just the content that matters: Brownie Points is sponsoring certificates for learners, providing tangible, accredited proof of progress.

The initiative also breaks down traditional barriers to education through partnerships with the DG Murray Trust and ICASA, opening pathways for a more inclusive digital learning experience. Brownie Points is committed to making education not just free, but accessible, with plans for data-free mobile access and a custom Alison API integration to reach even more learners.

The success of this programme hasn’t gone unnoticed. Brownie Points has been recognised by the Industrial Development Corporation and SEF, and has been named an official referral partner in the South African philanthropy space. Alison, too, is celebrating the impact.

“Brownie Points is a model that delivers real impact and one we believe can be successfully replicated in other countries,” says Ciaran Cannon, VP of Global Affairs at Alison.

With the next phase including contextualised South African courses and support for other SEF partners, Brownie Points is building more than skills – they’re building a sustainable system for social change.

“Through innovation and access, we’re not just improving employability—we’re reshaping what’s possible for the social economy,” Du Toit adds.

We at CN&CO are honoured to work with passionate change-makers like Brownie Points. Their vision and impact demonstrate the power of collaboration, innovation and heart in driving real transformation.

📌 Follow Brownie Points on social media and visit their website to stay up to date on this inspiring journey. Your support can help amplify their work and reach even more lives.