Entrepreneurship programme boosts future prospects for young people

Date

7 November, 2006

Johannesburg - For matriculants, November is a time of celebration as they finish their school careers. But this celebration is short lived as the harsh reality of unemployment sets in.

Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA), a not-for-profit organisation, and oil and chemical company Sasol today announced a partnership aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial skills among 120 learners from the communities of Lenasia, Alexandra and central Johannesburg.

The Mini Enterprise Programme (MEP) is focused on developing an understanding of enterprise, business and entrepreneurship with insight and practical experience in running a small business. Offered to school-going learners aged 14 to 21 years and youth aged 14 to 23 who are not at school, the programme nurtures business skills at a crucial developmental stage in life.

"Unemployment is a reality for many school leavers," says Linda McClure, managing director of Junior Achievement South Africa. "Without employment these young people will be unable to contribute to the long-term welfare of their families and communities. The Mini Enterprise Programme is one of several JASA initiatives to direct young people on a constructive personal development path that will benefit them and their communities."

"Skills development and education is one of the most powerful catalysts to economic growth," says Pamilla Mudhray, corporate social investment manager at Sasol. "To achieve the national economic growth targets set out by government it is essential to include and economically mobilise young South Africans through entrepreneurial ventures. Through corporate social investment, Sasol supports initiatives like JASA's Mini Enterprise Programme which is aimed at building capacity among young people."

During the 11 week programme groups start up and run their own business, based on their choice of product or services.

The first four weeks focuses on a general introduction to small business and covers basic skills such as financial planning, general management, stock control, pricing, marketing and sales, and the sale of company shares.

For the remaining seven weeks of the programme groups become mini-companies, meeting once a week for a managerial report back on successes and problems experienced. In the final week of the programme, the mini-company is liquidated and salaries are paid out. Students also calculate the company share price value, with dividends subsequently paid out.

On completion of the programme participants have the opportunity to write the Cambridge exam, an internationally recognised entrepreneurial qualification offered through Cambridge University.

McClure says the programme is showing results. The 2006 Impact Assessment has shown the Mini Enterprise Programme is contributing to positive behaviour change among participants. "Seventy percent of participants have said their commitment to complete school was based on participating in the programme. We are also encouraged to note that 75% of programme participants are motivated to start their own business having acquired the skills and knowledge to do so from JASA."

Schools involved in the Sasol-funded programmes include: Azara, Topaz and Trinity secondary schools in Lenasia; Liberty Life College, East Bank High, Sandringham High School and the Chinese School in Alexandra; and Jules High, Kensington High and Athlone Boys in central Johannesburg.

Junior Achievement South Africa is part of Junior Achievement Worldwide, an international organisation operating in 100 countries worldwide focused on developing a culture of entrepreneurship in a school environment. The purpose of JASA is to prepare young people for life after school by raising their awareness of economic issues, providing them with an understanding of the business world, economic literacy and life skills.

Ends

Total Stores	Division	Store Location	Address	Tel No
1	Relabelled	Salt River	29 Brickfield Road, Salt River, Cape Town	(021)4479913
2	Relabelled	Bellville	Shop 4, Corner Voortrekker Rd & Durban RD, Bellville	(021)9171860
3	Relabelled	Kenilworth	Unit number 3 access park, Chichester road, Kenilworth	(021)6714778,
4	Relabelled	Kuilsrivier	Shop 4 & 5 Access Park, Kuilsrivier	(021)9031294 061 287 3980
5	Relabelled	Mobeni	Cnr Grimsby & Leicester Rd, Mobeni, Durban	(031)4620540 W\House (031) 469 9409
6	Relabelled	Pier 14	21A Pier 14, Shopping Centre, Port Elizabeth	(041)4841575 083 5176 728
7	Relabelled	Marlboro	13 Sparten Crescent ,Marlboro , Ext 3 Johannesburg	(011) 262 0460
8	Relabelled	Soweto	Maponya Shop 200 2127 Chris hani Road, klipspruit ext5 Soweto	(011) 933 1023
9	Relabelled	Umlazi	Shop 155 Umlazi Mega City 50 Griffiths Mxenge Highway Umlazi	(031) 902 1325
10	Relabelled	Epping	10 Losack avenue , epping industrial	(021) 534 0401
1	BCWC	Kloof	Lifes on Kloof, 50 Kloof Street, Gardens ,Cape Town, shop G-15	(021) 422 1593 078 211 8051
2	BCWC	Canal Walk	Shop 619 Canal Walk , Century BLVD, Century City , Cape Town 7441	(021) 551 2891
3	BCWC	Monte Casino	Shop 80B Montecasino, No1 Monticasino Bouelvard Fourways , 2191 Magents	(011) 465 0438
4	BCWC	Menlyn	Shop UF 42 & 43 cnr atterbury road & lois avenue , menlo park , Pretoria	(012) 764 9600
5	BCWC	Balito	SHOP 608 LEONORA DRIVE,DOLPHIN COAST,BALLITO,4399	032 586 0242
6	BCWC	Rosebank	Shop GF08, The Zone, Rosebank mall, Oxford Street, Johannesburg	(011)268 1114
1	Magents	Canal Walk	Shop 08 , Century Blvd , Century City 7441	(021) 551 2533 JP CELL: 064 686 4026
2	Magents	Monte Casino	Shop 21 Montecasino, No1 Monticasino Bouelvard Fourways , 2191 Magents	(011) 465 6721 074 669 6310 073 804 4352 079 884 7607
3	Magents	Menlyn	MENLYN MALL , SHOP G190 CNR ATTERBURY ROAD & LOIS AVENUE,MENLO PARK,PRETORIA	(012) 348 4725 073 8677 468 - Sieya , kiley , OUPA, Micheal
4	Magents	Balito	SHOP 608 LEONORA DRIVE,DOLPHIN COAST,BALLITO,4399	061 521 7446 032 586 1467
1	WSA	Menlyn	MENLYN MALL ,LF41A CNR ATTERBURY ROAD & LOIS AVENUE,MENLO PARK,PRETORIA	Vicky - 078 816 1921 land line - 012 348 4766
6	BCWC	Rosebank	Shop GF08, The Zone, Rosebank mall, Oxford Street, Johannesburg	(011)268 1114
1	Magents	Canal Walk	Shop 08 , Century Blvd , Century City 7441	(021) 551 2533 JP CELL: 064 686 4026
2	Magents	Monte Casino	Shop 21 Montecasino, No1 Monticasino Bouelvard Fourways , 2191 Magents	(011) 465 6721 074 669 6310 073 804 4352 079 884 7607
3	Magents	Menlyn	MENLYN MALL , SHOP G190 CNR ATTERBURY ROAD & LOIS AVENUE,MENLO PARK,PRETORIA	(012) 348 4725 073 8677 468 - Sieya , kiley , OUPA, Micheal
4	Magents	Balito	SHOP 608 LEONORA DRIVE,DOLPHIN COAST,BALLITO,4399	061 521 7446 032 586 1467
1	WSA	Menlyn	MENLYN MALL ,LF41A CNR ATTERBURY ROAD & LOIS AVENUE,MENLO PARK,PRETORIA	Vicky - 078 816 1921 land line - 012 348 4766

Overview

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Overview

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Overview

Overview

Entrepreneurship programme boosts future prospects for young people

Entrepreneurship programme boosts future prospects for young people