Brainchild: nine community ideas take the stage in Alberton

At Eden Park in Alberton, we gathered to celebrate something simple but powerful: ordinary people turning everyday problems into practical solutions. Our first Brainchild awards brought together nine finalists who pitched their ideas to a panel of judges — the best of many submitted by community members who had spent the past year in our pilot workshops, learning to meet problems with ideas.

From litter to livelihoods

First prize went to Algerian Varrie, whose recycling idea reimagines a neighbourhood litter problem as a way for unemployed people to earn an income. It is exactly the kind of solution we exist to unlock — one that cleans up a community and creates work at the same time.

It is never too late for an idea

Some of the most moving moments came from finalists who had carried their ideas for decades. Rachel Johnson, in her sixties, presented an idea she had held for more than forty years. Frank Wrench, a 76-year-old retired pastor, brought an old idea back to life through the workshops. Brainchild was a reminder that a good idea has no expiry date.

The heart behind it

Innovation Army exists to help people give birth to their brainchild — the idea in their head — and to grow it until it delivers its intended solution. At our core, we believe every person carries God-given creativity and the seeds of answers to the challenges around them.

“God created us to create.”

Towards a million ideas

Brainchild is one step toward a bigger goal: to spark a million ideas across South Africa. The more people engage with their ideas and start building, the more our communities — and our economy — come alive.

Our NPO team — Isaiah and Judith Engelbrecht, with Pastor Keith and Coreena Appollis — continues to run workshops and events to equip problem-solvers across the country. This is just the beginning.