High School Entrepreneurship Project

NATURE OF SUPPORT: Non-financial support

BENEFICIARIES: Offer entrepreneurial training to grades 8 to 11 learners in 20 high schools in the Cape Metropolitan area.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The High School Entrepreneurship project is a structured after-school entrepreneurial learning project which is experiential and practical in nature.

The project will intentionally seek ways in which to engage young people around the option of entrepreneurship as a career choice. Education is an important contributor that influences an individual’s belief that he has the requisite skills to start a business. The quality of primary and secondary school education in raising awareness of entrepreneurship as career path and perceived opportunities is critical, thereby increasing the pool of potential future entrepreneurs.

This is a pilot project for the 2015/16 financial year. The project will focus on creating awareness and contributing towards instilling a culture of entrepreneurship amongst the learners. It is about unlocking innovative thinking, unleashing ideas, identifying  opportunities, understanding risk-taking, solving problems, building networks and learning from both failure and success. It promotes entrepreneurial conduct and resourcefulness amongst learners also planting the seed of entrepreneurship as a possible career choice. Schools provide a safe environment to experiment and to take risks whilst pursuing entrepreneurship ventures.

The project will also focus on leveraging the expertise and capacity of entrepreneurial support organisations, such as the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Business Place and other to offer entrepreneurship exposure, exploration and/or experience as well as building collaboration among educators, community organisations, parents and the private sector.

PARTNERSHIPS:

• Western Cape Education Department
• High Schools in the Cape Metropolitan area

CONTACT:

Ms Patricia September
Tel: 021 483 8768
E-mail: Patricia.September@westerncape.gov.za

Or

Mr George Cloete
Tel: 021 483 9441
E-mail: George.Cloete@westerncape.gov.za