The National Department of Basic Education, with support from GIZ-PfP and the Agape Youth Movement (AYM), partnered with Flow Communications to develop an online platform designed to empower learner leaders across South Africa.
The platform, called the RCL Hub, focuses on the Representative Council of Learners (RCL), a democratically elected structure required in all South African public high schools.
While RCLs give learners a voice in school governance and decision-making, many young leaders have struggled to understand their roles and responsibilities once elected. The RCL Hub was created to change that.
The hub serves as a digital environment where learners can build leadership skills, connect with mentors and actively shape their school communities. It offers a central online space where learner leaders, educators, officials and partner organisations can access vital resources, including handbooks. They can also find lessons on leadership, as well as guides for tackling school-related issues such as violence, gender-based challenges and more.
Meeting learners where they are
Flow designed and developed the RCL Hub website from scratch for this project – a full UX and UI overhaul that resulted in the current user-friendly platform.
A standout feature on the website is the inclusion of interactive lessons and quizzes that allow learners to earn certificates for improving their leadership skills. Educators can also register to track learners’ progress, while Department of Basic Education officials and partner organisations can view broader engagement trends across schools.
“This platform allows the education sector to fast-track the inclusion of learners towards building conducive school environments for teaching and learning,” says Matsetsebale Tleane, managing director of AYM.
For Flow, being part of this initiative meant more than providing technical design and web development services. “The platform is a tool for empowerment and growth,” says Flow project manager Avril Naidoo. “We wanted to create a space where young leaders feel supported, seen and inspired to make a difference at their schools. Supporting them in this way aligns with our belief in communications as a tool for social change – and this is a platform that will give them the resources they need to step confidently into leadership roles.”
The RCL Hub, which went live in June 2025, is a dynamic platform. Over time, more lessons and resources will be added to support the learning and leadership skills of South Africa’s future changemakers.
