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.

 

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