Just Africa Life Skills

PROMOTING HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT Life Skills Coaching, Gap Year & Half Gap Year Program, Career Development

How We Got Started — and Why We’re Still So Passionate About It

Hi, we’re Marius and Madelein Wolfaardt — founders of Just Skills, and passionate about equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive in life.

Our journey began back in 2004 with one clear mission: to help young people grow into confident, capable individuals by teaching the kinds of skills that aren’t always taught in school — but are absolutely essential for life. Over the years, we’ve worked with children, teens, and young adults from all walks of life, and one thing has always stood out to us: the incredible untapped potential that so many individuals carry within them.

That’s what drives us — the joy of helping someone uncover their strengths, build resilience, and gain direction in life. Whether someone’s at the beginning of their journey or navigating a tough transition, we’re here to walk alongside them.

We believe life skills aren’t just for people who are struggling. They’re for anyone who wants to grow — to communicate better, make smarter decisions, feel more grounded emotionally, or develop the confidence to take that next big step.

Over the years, we’ve seen how daunting it can be to move from high school to adulthood — whether that means starting university, entering the workforce, or simply figuring out what comes next. These are pivotal moments where guidance and support make all the difference. That’s why we’ve made it our focus to bridge the gap between where someone is now and where they want to be.

As the world continues to change, so do the needs of the people in it. More than ever, emotional intelligence, resilience, and personal coaching are vital to personal development. And the truth is — there’s always room to grow. Whether you're facing challenges, seeking clarity, or just looking to level up in life, learning new life skills can make a meaningful difference.

At Just Skills, we’re here to help you do exactly that — to overcome obstacles, unlock your potential, and build a life that feels both purposeful and fulfilling.

Gap

Year

Not sure what you should do after matriculating? Take time to invest in yourself before entering university or work life. Join our Skills Gap Year.

Career

PADi

Become an Internationally Recognised Dive Professional at our PADI 5* INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT CENTER. A unique training program in Gordon's Bay, South Africa.

Life

Skills

Group or individual classes with various courses on Emotional Life Skills as well as Practical Work Skills.

Gain experience doing various courses, tours, and volunteer work.

This year is jam-packed with amazing courses and experiences to help you Grow Personally and to Find your Passion.

Frequently Asked Questions

about the Skills Gap Year

What is the difference between a Gap Year and the Skills Gap Year?

When people hear GAP year, they usually conclude that you are taking a year off. Our Skills Gap Year, in contrast to this, is a program designed to prepare students for their first year of higher education or first job.

Who should join this Gap Year?

This gap year is for young people who are not sure what they want to do after matriculating as well as for those who want to gain experience doing various courses, tours, and volunteer work.

What work experience will I be exposed to?

You will get exposure and/or experience in the following areas: Marketing, retail, tourism, facilitating adventure activities, customer service, facilitating classes, working with children, managing people, marketing, etc...

Am I ready for a Gap Year?

The year will be what you make of it. We give as much as possible to each student, to give them the most opportunities to grow and learn, the rest is up to each student whether they seize these opportunities or not.

More FAQ's

Other Programs Available

Skills Development Program

This program is a great add-on to our Preparation Year and gives young people the opportunity to get work experience in a safe environment while expanding their skillset and emotional intelligence.

This year is about gaining practical work experience and personal development while holding a part-time job and/or part-time studies and being involved in various internships as well.

Career Development Program

This program offers a young person the opportunity to develop their PADI Scuba Diving career, doing various courses including our special Life Skills Courses, and gaining practical work experience.

This program is about becoming a well rounded PADI instructor by expanding the skill set and competencies of students, improving their prospects of work and employment dramatically.

The PADI accredited course is recognized worldwide, after successfully completing these tertiary studies you will receive all the certificates you need to become a PADI Scuba Dive Instructor.

How we started doing what we do

Life Skills was started by Marius and Madelein Wolfaardt, we have been working with youth and children since 2004. We both are attuned to recognizing the potential in people and find it immensely rewarding to assist people on their walk of life, at whatever stage they might be. Learning life skills is not necessarily for people who have problems but it is beneficial to any person who wishes to improve their lives by doing worthwhile things, overcome challenges or get some guidance on their path of personal growth.

Why Life Skills?

The development of life skills helps us to find new ways of thinking and solving problems.

In a constantly changing environment, having life skills is an essential part of being able to meet the challenges of everyday life. We help people tap into their full potential and define/achieve their goals for who they want to be and what they want to do.

The Life Skills & Coaching Programs is designed to encourage personal development in children, adolescents and adults and at the same time providing an outlet for stress; learning responsibility and the necessary skills to be successful individuals.

More about Life Skills

Latest Articles

The Art of Being Chosen: A Tale of Writing, A Cat, and Finding Your Adventure

Friday, December 06, 2024 Life Skills Blog 585

However unlikely it may seem, this creative outlet might be for you. I would have laughed if you told me I’d become a writer. It was as unexpected as the feral tuxedo cat that turned my life upside down some years ago. Like him, writing chose me. But that’s the thing about life’s greatest gifts: they choose us, not the other way around. I didn’t know I wanted or needed him until he crept into my life. Being the softy I am, I put food out daily in the wooden shelter my husband built to keep him warm and dry in the rainy winter months. He was wild, darting off when I peeked through the kitchen window as he came for his food. This was our relationship for a few years, only glimpses of a black shadow that thanked me for my kindness with dirty bedding and empty bowls.

Reframing Sensitivity: 6 Steps to Harnessing Your HSP Traits

Friday, October 04, 2024 Life Skills Blog 631

I was shocked to discover that I’m a highly sensitive person (HSP). A few years ago, someone gifted me Dr. Elaine N. Aron’s book, The Highly Sensitive Person. It was my first encounter with this personality trait, and it described me perfectly. Initially, the word ‘sensitive’ put me off due to its negative connotations; in my mind, it equated to weakness. An HSP is someone who processes sensory information more deeply than others. This trait, affecting about 15–20% of the population, is characterized by heightened awareness, emotional reactivity, and a tendency to become overwhelmed in stimulating environments. Looking back, I see my journey and where I could have done things differently. Here, I share some of my HSP journey to help you find your way.

Embrace the Unknown

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Life Skills Blog 1726

Why Taking a Gap Year Could Be the Best Decision You Make After Matric The pressures of life Life’s pressures As your matric year concludes, life gets more complicated. Standing in a group listening to everyone’s plans for after school can make you nervous. It seems like everyone has it figured out except for you. It’s your turn to give your elevator pitch, but you know it’s not exactly what you want to do. This often happens in the final years of school. Friends, teachers, family, and everyone else keep asking, “What are your plans after matric?”

Elsewhere

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Navigate

Life Skills

Gap Year

Development Programs

First Aid Courses

Blog

Student Login

Website T's & C's

Contact

Phone/ WhatsApp

+27 82 598 1884

Address

Gordon's Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Office Hours

Tue - Sat

08:00 - 16:30

Sun & Mon

Closed

Reg no. 2016/304859/07