Wentworth youth inspired by empowering workshop
The Wentworth community’s youth attended a four-day boot camp that rewarded them with a variety of entrepreneurial skills.
IN a bid to promote social equity and business entrepreneurship, the Z Zurich Foundation and Junior Achievement South Africa held a four-day boot camp in the Wentworth area to empower the youth.
Also read: Boot camp brings successes for youth
The empowering tomorrow’s leaders programme took place at the Austerville Baptist Church and equipped 85 youngsters, aged between 16 and 35, with practical entrepreneurship and job readiness skills, along with personal development training.
Led by Junior Achievement South Africa, and supported by influential members of the community such as Neil Axford, Belinda Francis, pastor Gavin Samuels and youth pastor Cuan Botha, the boot camp turned Austerville Baptist Church into a buzzing learning zone.
“Every day from 09:00 to 15:00, Austerville Baptist Church was transformed into a dynamic learning space where participants attended interactive sessions covering the gamut of business management and social entrepreneurship issues, financial literacy to professional skill-building,” said Axford.
Axford said the structured curriculum in the programme, ending in a pitch for a business concept and training in job readiness, would equip participants with relevant skills in line with the goals of South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030.
He described the workshop as a lively space where the young could pick up important skills and get apprised of career and business opportunities. “This workshop has given the participants the ability to seek financial independence but, equally as important, provided a support network and an opportunity to develop resilience in difficult circumstances,” Axford said.
Leadership development and group dynamics were encouraged through the division of participants into small, interactive teams that were engaged in both individual and team activities. All participants received certificates at the closing ceremony from the Developing Entrepreneurs for Empowerment Programme in acknowledgement of their efforts.
Axford extended a special thanks to the sponsors, who ensured everything was taken care of from refreshments to preparing a welcoming and comfortable environment.
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