Student social entrepreneur plans to change the world for good

In a country where youth unemployment remains one of the highest in the world and poverty continues to limit opportunity, Abigail Larsen is building a solution that connects young people directly to the heart of change.

At the age of 21, this third-year BCom International Business student at Stellenbosch University (SU) is co-developing a groundbreaking digital platform designed to mobilise a new generation of volunteers, leaders, and social entrepreneurs.

Ms Larsen is the mastermind behind the development of Thallo, a social media platform connecting volunteers with organisations and charities, aiming to bridge the gap between socially aware individuals and NGOs.

Ms Larsen describes Thallo as a mix between Instagram and LinkedIn – the app will also feature a marketplace for NGO products and a gamified system that builds social capital.

Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, she arrived at SU with a heart for people and a growing passion for social entrepreneurship.

She initially planned to study medicine but realised she could also impact people's lives positively in other ways.

Ms Larsen currently leads the social impact portfolio at Lydia Residence, where she has created volunteering opportunities, a student food and essentials cupboard, and a range of outreach initiatives.

"We've done things like an SPCA drive, a feeding scheme, and social impact days at local schools. It's been such a joy and a privilege," she said.

Her passion for social impact originated from her own extensive experiences as a volunteer. After volunteering with NGOs in India, Rwanda, and across South Africa, she saw a growing frustration among young people who wanted to contribute but didn't know where to begin.

"There's a gap between individuals who want to make a difference in the world and organisations who need skilled volunteers," she said.

The idea for Thallo, named after the Greek word for growth, took shape when she entered a global social entrepreneurship competition, the Hult Prize Challenge, where participants were tasked with building a business that addresses one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Ms Larsen and her development team recently presented their concept for Thallo in Johannesburg as part of the national round of the Hult Prize Challenge, and they're now awaiting news about funding for their project.

Ms Larsen said that the app will also allow young people to initiate their own community-driven solutions, giving them a centralised platform to promote and coordinate efforts. She's seen how many local initiatives, for example a Stellenbosch fundraiser for children's shoes, are often organised informally through WhatsApp statuses and word of mouth.

By offering a dedicated space where volunteering opportunities are visible and searchable, she believes Thallo will make it easier for people to become involved.

"This could transform not only South Africa, but also mobilise our generation for real, sustainable impact. Whether people want to fight human trafficking, volunteer at an animal shelter, or support upliftment programmes for women, the app offers tailored pathways to action. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves," Ms Larsen said.

"They want to know their life is influencing someone else's."

Both individuals and organisations will be able to create profiles on Thallo, making it easy to discover causes that align with users' passions and location.

"We realised that some charities struggle to create awareness for themselves. This is a platform where you can put in your location, and you can see the organisations close by that are doing community work."

A key innovation of Thallo is how it recognises and validates the impact of its users.

"Mental health is one of the biggest challenges of our generation," Larsen said.

"It has been statistically proven that to get out of a depressive rut, helping others or serving someone is the best thing that you can do."

To encourage engagement, Thallo gamifies the experience. Users earn badges and can build a digital CV of their volunteering.

Thallo's beta version is set to launch by the end of the year, and Stellenbosch will be the initial test site thanks to strong relationships with the University's Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation (CASIT).

"They are very excited," said Ms Larsen.

"Hopefully, by the beginning of next year, everything will be in place.

While Thallo may be high-tech, its roots are deeply personal. Ms Larsen's belief in the power of service is shaped by her Christian faith.

"Everything in this life, everything that I do, is for the glory of the Lord," she said.

"It's not in my strength; it's not my will. If the Lord wants it to happen, He'll make it happen."That faith gives her resilience and perspective. "Every opportunity I get, I step through the door and try my best. If it doesn't work out, I know the Lord has another plan."

She gives credit and thanks to the people supporting her.

"There are four of us in the Thallo team and my family as well as my friends are incredibly supportive."She believes her generation has immense potential.

"Our generation is the most socially aware and socially engaged. They want to know they are not just leaving an inheritance. They are leaving a legacy."Her advice to others?

"Just do it. Just start. Look at what is available to you and think what you can do with what is in your hands. It may feel like a mountain, but all you have to do is to take one step and then another step and one more … Before you know it, you're literally halfway up the mountain and there's this beautiful view and you can't imagine how you even got there."