Founded by Candice Preston, Real Stuff for Success blends Study to Thrives' whole brain learning methods, emotional intelligence training and Money Savvy Humans' financial literacy skills into a programme showing life-changing results in schools across South Africa, says The Love Trust. 

 

Whole Brain Learning: Teaching Students How to Learn

The Love Trust says that at the heart of the programme is Study to Thrive, which uses whole-brain learning techniques grounded in neuroscience. It's not just about what learners know, but how they absorb, apply, and retain that knowledge.

"We want to demystify learning," says Silas Pillay, Director of Academics at Nokuphila. "Whole Brain Learning equips learners with strategies for critical thinking, memorisation, exam prep, reading and comprehension — and it helps them enjoy the process."

Importantly, these methods are designed to build confidence. Many learners at Nokuphila come from communities where self-esteem and emotional intelligence are still developing. By helping them experience small, consistent successes, Real Stuff for Success nurtures self-belief and a love for learning, says the organisation.

"Where you come from doesn't have to determine where you're going," Pillay adds. "When learners believe they can, they start to engage with school and life differently."

Emotional Intelligence: The Hidden Key to Academic Success

"EQ is the heart of learning," says Preston. "It shapes how we connect, respond to stress and how we stay motivated."

The Love Trust says Real Stuff for Success incorporates Positive Intelligence techniques (based on the work of Shirzad Chamine), helping students shift from fear-based thinking to calm, focused decision-making. The result is better resilience, better stress management and improved academic performance.

Pillay says, "There's a direct link between emotional intelligence and results. When learners can stay calm under pressure, manage their time and work smart, not just hard, they're more likely to succeed. But EQ also plays a massive role beyond the classroom, especially in interview settings where confidence and self-presentation matter."

Financial Literacy: Money Matters

Through the Money Savvy Humans programme, learners are introduced to financial literacy as early as Grade 4. Using storytelling, games and role-play, they learn the difference between needs and wants, how to save, budget and eventually manage real-world finances, says the organisation.

"Even younger learners in the foundation phase can begin to grasp basic money concepts," says Preston. "It's about laying strong foundations for habits that will empower them to make informed decisions for the rest of their lives."

Pillay adds, "Teachers can weave financial literacy into literacy, numeracy and life skills lessons. Activities like setting up a pretend shop make learning feel relevant and fun."

Not Just Theory — Real Results

At Alexandra High School, where Study to Thrive partnered with Ocular Technologies, the matric pass rate jumped from 34.3% to 65.4% in just one year, says The Love Trust.

This success was due to the whole-school approach: engaging not only learners but also teachers to adopt more effective strategies and build confidence. "In my opinion, there's no such thing as a child who is unable to learn — only a teacher who hasn't discovered how to reach that child," says Pillay.

That's why teacher training is also a key focus. Through helping educators understand different learning styles and multiple intelligences, the programme creates change that extends beyond a single term or subject, says the organisation.

Real Stuff for Real Life

At Nokuphila, Real Stuff for Success is more than a partner. It's a catalyst for meaningful change, building a generation of learners and teachers who are emotionally intelligent, financially literate and confident in their abilities, says The Love Trust.

"Knowing is not enough," concludes Pillay. "We must do. That's what makes learning stick." 

For more information, visit www.thelovetrust.co.za. You can also follow The Love Trust on Facebook or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor