Midrand business woman makes it big
MIDRAND - Rejoice Majola is a young entrepreneur who had no business knowledge when she started out in the working world.
With the help of Denise Thomas of Awethu Project, an SMME investment company, Majola is now heading for success with the We.Can.Talk initiative, as she now holds the position of manager in training.
“We.Can.Talk is an early childhood communication development programme that provides parents with tools to help babies develop their language skills through singing, signing and reading within their first 1 000 days,” she said.
The programme is available on a website where knowledge on how to teach babies language is shared, and an online store where baby accessories can be bought.
Rabie Ridge-born, the young woman had a vision which included education and reading and was introduced to the idea of the website by Awethu Project and Thomas.
“When I learnt more about the business I just fell in love with it. It consists of what I’m most passionate about,” said Majola.
“It is beneficial because a parent gets to communicate with their baby before he or she learns to talk [and are able to] avoid temper tantrums by being able to understand their baby’s frustrations. [This] can improve a baby’s language development and IQ by an average of 12 points.”
Lack of training and funding are the biggest challenges that young entrepreneurs face. The project, in partnership with the Government’s Jobs Fund, is giving away scholarships through the Awethu Project’s entrepreneurship training academy worth over R11 million, and equity investments of up to R250 000 to the best scholarship winners. Those who make the greatest success of their business ventures will receive the equity investment reward.
Majola is one such recipient of the scholarship and equity investment. “I graduated last year and after eight months of being jobless. I heard about the Awethu Project from a neighbour… He told me that Awethu was looking for budding entrepreneurs and I just applied,” she said, speaking of her breakthrough.Majola said her vision for the project is to see every child become a great communicator because of their enhanced vocabulary, have a great start at school and a bright future, irrespective of the careers they may choose.
Details: www.wecantalk.co.za
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