Over the last 4 years, the foundation has initiated exciting educational programmes with our partner schools. Fresh from the 2013 One Young World Summit with new approach to community development, we structured Junior Apprentice SA as an initiative that incorporates participation from diverse public stakeholders. The programme participants range from school teachers, award winning entrepreneurs, young professionals from various corporate backgrounds, a top bank, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

In 2013, Junior Apprentice SA became our first crowd-funded initiative in our four years of operation, raising R3100 over two weeks to pilot the project. The inaugural Junior Apprentice SA programme saw more than 160 Bovet Primary School Grade 7 learners participating as budding entrepreneurs. Bovet Primary school is one the foundation’s partner schools based in Alexandra Township, situated 15 kilometres away from Sandton, the most expensive square-mile in Africa. As the foundation, we aim to work with schools that are based in disadvantaged communities, where we can make a long lasting and significant impact. We couldn’t have chosen a better community to start the programme than Alexandra Township.

In 2014, the foundation expanded the programme to high school schools with the support of Barclays Africa Group. Over 350 learners in Gauteng-based partner schools participated in the programme, learning the basics of starting their own businesses, from drafting a business plan, pitching for funding, to product sales strategies. All participating teams were 100% funded from the foundation’s seed fund, and all groups successfully completed the sales part of the programme during Market Day, exposing over 2800 learners to locally established small businesses.

One of the main aims of this programme is to encourage direct participation of local businesses in education. This year, Shanduka Black Umbrellas and Absa Center of Entrepreneurship opened their doors to the 2014 Junior Apprentice SA winners from various schools, exposing them to different incubation and business support programmes that are available in South Africa.

To fully understand the object and aims of the programme and what the future holds for this programme; see the Inspire School Support programmes. To all our investors, thank you so much, your investment has gone a long way in planting a small seed and expanding the pool of career choices for all participating learners. To volunteer in this initiative click here.