This prestigious achievement underscores the strength of our unique learning approach, which empowers students to explore their passions and develop vital skills like independent thinking, creativity, and resilience. These traits are key to not only succeeding in school but also in the world beyond it.

What is the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge?

The AGEC, launched in 2017, invites high school learners from across South Africa to participate in hands-on entrepreneurial projects. The challenge encourages young people to learn by doing, pushing them to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems. Teneo Online School’s team, consisting of more than 60 learners from Grades 8 to 12, joined the competition this year, further cementing Teneo’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial excellence.

Teneo’s Approach: Building Future-Ready Skills

Teneo’s online education model offers students the flexibility to manage their time and learning—something crucial for young entrepreneurs who need to navigate dynamic and unpredictable environments. Unlike traditional school settings, our platform empowers students to work independently, collaborate virtually, and approach their studies in a way that mirrors the modern workplace.

Debi Du Plessis, British International Phase Head at Teneo, explains, "Our learners benefit from a schooling environment that’s as flexible and innovative as the world they’re preparing to enter. By giving students more control over their schedules and learning, we’re fostering critical thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset. These are skills that will serve them well beyond their school years."

Through this approach, we’re not just preparing learners for exams—we’re equipping them for life. We help them see themselves as self-starters and problem-solvers, able to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Learning by Doing: A Philosophy That Drives Success

The AGEC’s emphasis on practical, hands-on experience is in perfect alignment with Teneo’s core philosophy of learning by doing. This approach encourages students to take initiative, embrace challenges, and learn from real-world experiences—hallmarks of entrepreneurship.

“The Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge gave our learners the chance to experience the entrepreneurial journey from start to finish,” says Debi. “This hands-on experience is invaluable. It teaches them what it’s really like to solve complex problems, collaborate in teams, and innovate under pressure.”

Entrepreneurship Courses: Equipping Students for the Real World

Teneo complements its project-based learning with two specialized entrepreneurship courses, offered as part of its extramural programme. These courses provide foundational knowledge in key areas such as budgeting, business planning, and digital marketing, giving learners a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to start and run a successful business.

As Debi notes, "The combination of our entrepreneurship programmes and the flexibility of online schooling creates a powerful environment for developing self-starters. Our students are not just learning about business concepts—they’re applying them, experimenting, and seeing real results.”

Looking Ahead

Winning the AGEC 2024 is just one example of how Teneo is pushing the boundaries of education. By integrating real-world entrepreneurial activities into our curriculum, we continue to empower our learners to think creatively, act independently, and lead with confidence. This victory reflects our commitment to preparing students for a future where they can make a meaningful impact, both in their careers and in the communities they serve.

At Teneo Online School, we don’t just teach entrepreneurship; we live it. And with every success, our learners are proving that they are ready to face the challenges of tomorrow’s world, one innovative idea at a time.

Congratulations to our Teneo learners on this incredible achievement! We are proud of your entrepreneurial spirit, and we look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next.