Young women can learn to earn
SKILLS FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH
MASTERCARD is inviting women entrepreneurs to enter the Junior Achievers (JA) South Africa youth enterprise development programme in its bid to contribute to their development.
According to Statistics South Africa, the current rate of unemployment in South Africa stands at 27.1%. The creation of small businesses and self-employment has proved to be one of the tools used to curb unemployment. In response to the high rate of youth unemployment, Mastercard, thus, initiated this programme.
According to Nelly Mofokeng, managing director and spokeswoman of JA South Africa, the programme focuses on encouraging and guiding young women to become economically active, enabling them to contribute towards self-sufficiency in their communities.
The programme is targeting school dropouts and unemployed women aged between 18-35.
Candidates should at least be in possession of a Grade 10 or upwards in education, and an ability to read and write in English. The programme is structured to run for 20 weeks with sessions that teach both theory and the practical application of business.
To date, 1 700 South Africans are said to have successfully completed the programme.
“We understand the importance of helping young entrepreneurs realise their business ideas as their success is vital for the growth of the country’s economy,” said Mark Elliot, from Mastercard South Africa.
Elliot said that women are increasingly playing an active role in the small and medium enterprise sector and, as a company, it fully supports their growth.
“This programme aims to teach them the fundamental skills required to develop their ideas, and grow their business.”
Application forms are available in the following areas:
Gauteng: Siyafunda Community Technology Centre (East Rand), Tshepo Themba Development Centre (West Rand), Diepsloot Skills Centre (Diepsloot) and Olievenhoutbosch Development Centre (Pretoria).
Western Cape: The Communiversity in Vrygrond.
Limpopo: Vexospark Community Technology Centre in Polokwane.
Deadline for submission of application forms is January 31 2017.