Social Equity Program
The Social Equity Program, an initiative by JA Africa and Z Zurich Foundation, is a cross-cutting entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness program for underserved young people aged 16-25 who might not be in education, entrepreneurship, or training. This program provides hands-on experiences and mentoring for starting and managing social enterprises or businesses that solve local community problems. The youth participating in this program collaborate on bringing change to themselves and their communities.
It consists of leadership and entrepreneurship boot camps (4 days), completion of JA DEEP, development of social impact projects and business pitch competitions where the winners win seed funding and additional mentoring for their businesses. Skills gained include digital skills, design thinking, project management, financial accounting, and advocacy skills to drive systemic change.
The main goal of the program is to identify and support underserved changemakers to build businesses which could be for-profit but also have a strong positive social impact that results in improved livelihoods, advances equity and inclusion of marginalized groups and contributes to building thriving communities.
Creating bright, boundless futures
“This unique project has challenged me to think outside the box. I now understand the importance of financial management in running a successful business. Many black-owned local businesses fail due to a lack of financial literacy. The program’s detailed financial approach sets it apart from other entrepreneurial programs. This experience has given me valuable hands-on business skills as a young aspiring business owner. Working in a team taught me the power of collaboration and critical thinking in finding efficient solutions to social issues in my country. This intervention has been life-changing, and I feel confident that I won’t face financial issues personally after being part of this transformative initiative.”.”
– Neo Leipile, Kimberly Boys High, South Africa
Projected impact: 550,000
Over the course of the next three years, this partnership will impact the lives of more than 550,000 young people across nine countries—Burkina Faso, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda—resulting in greater capacity in four current JA Africa countries and brand-new operations in five more.
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