Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA) provides engaging entrepreneurial programmes which foster confident, empowered young people who are possibility seekers and creators of opportunities. Through these programmes JASA aims to contribute to meaningful economic participation by nurturing entrepreneurial thinking among young people.
Success Story: Thabo Afitlhile
Actor, Entrepreneur and JASA Alumnus 2007
+27 11 331 3150
JASA Head Office 5th floor Mathomo House 132 Fox Str Johannesburg
+27 11 331 0278
I began my Junior Achievement journey in 2007 when I was in Grade 10 at Jules High School in Johannesburg, Gauteng. I first completed the Mini Enterprise Programme which taught me a lot about running a business and helped me see that, with hard work and determination, having my own company was possible. I completed the Banks in Action Programme in Grade 11 which allowed me to run my own computer simulated banking empire. The programme also taught me about the banking industry, and about deposits, loans and interest. Through each of these programmes my self-confidence grew and this pushed me to work harder and learn more. The programmes also made me realise that I loved being in front of people and performing, which helped me decide on a career path as an actor and motivational speaker.
Unfortunately my mother didn't live long enough to see the results of all of her efforts in helping me to prepare for the role of Tivo in the television show 90 Plein Street. She died of AIDS a few days before my first appearance. The loss of my mother hit me hard, having a negative effect on my motivation, drive, interest in school and ultimately in life. Fortunately I still had support of the staff at JASA who assisted me in regaining my self-confidence. The reality of my situation was that I had become my sister's sole provider and I needed to look after her financially and emotionally. Both of my parents had passed on and her welfare had become my responsibility. My JASA experience pointed me in the right direction. I started a promotional clothing agency, acting as the coordinator between high schools needing Matric jackets and a clothing manufacturer. Business was good and with help and guidance from JASA and many other people, I was able to provide for my little sister.
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Unfortunately my mother didn't live long enough to see the results of all of her efforts in helping me to prepare for the role of Tivo in the television show 90 Plein Street. She died of AIDS a few days before my first appearance. The loss of my mother hit me hard, having a negative effect on my motivation, drive, interest in school and ultimately in life. Fortunately I still had support of the staff at JASA who assisted me in regaining my self-confidence. The reality of my situation was that I had become my sister's sole provider and I needed to look after her financially and emotionally. Both of my parents had passed on and her welfare had become my responsibility. My JASA experience pointed me in the right direction. I started a promotional clothing agency, acting as the coordinator between high schools needing Matric jackets and a clothing manufacturer. Business was good and with help and guidance from JASA and many other people, I was able to provide for my little sister.
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Through each of these programmes my self-confidence grew and this pushed me to work harder and learn more.
Youth Enterprise Development Programme Students Graduate
MasterCard Continues to Support Entrepreneurship in South Africa
On the 8th of May 2013, Junior Achievement South Africa concluded another successful Youth Enterprise Development Programme, funded by the DG Murray Trust, with a commemorative certification ceremony for the graduates of the programme. The certification ceremony was held at the Siyafunda Community Training College in Orange Farm.
The programme is an intensive three to four month experience during which students meet once or twice a week for three hours. Applying an action learning methodology, the programme is designed for out of school youth between the ages of 18 and 35, and is aimed at encouraging unemployed youth to start their own businesses. The project also includes workplace readiness skills, life skills, financial literacy and banking and saving.
The programme was launched in January 2013 at the Orange Farm Community Centre and was facilitated by one of JASA's well-trained facilitators, Mr James Sekhonyane. James glowed with pride on Wednesday, as he congratulated the 32 students that had successfully completed the programme.
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The programme is an intensive three to four month experience during which students meet once or twice a week for three hours. Applying an action learning methodology, the programme is designed for out of school youth between the ages of 18 and 35, and is aimed at encouraging unemployed youth to start their own businesses. The project also includes workplace readiness skills, life skills, financial literacy and banking and saving.
The programme was launched in January 2013 at the Orange Farm Community Centre and was facilitated by one of JASA's well-trained facilitators, Mr James Sekhonyane. James glowed with pride on Wednesday, as he congratulated the 32 students that had successfully completed the programme.
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R1 million donation from MasterCard to Junior Achievement introduces 440 learners - predominantly females - to the business environment
MasterCard continues its support of entrepreneurship in South Africa, with a R1 million donation to Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA), which will see 440 learners from 11 South African high schools taking part in the 2013 Mini Enterprise Programme, a globally-recognised initiative that fosters entrepreneurship, particularly amongst females.
The Grade 10 and 11 learners selected for the programme have committed to attending preparation sessions after school hours. During these sessions they will be taught workplace readiness, and essential entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills in a 15-week programme. In addition to a theoretical grounding, the learners will gain practical interpersonal skills and business experience by starting up and managing their own businesses over the duration of the programme, which concludes on 31 July 2013.
Read MoreThe Grade 10 and 11 learners selected for the programme have committed to attending preparation sessions after school hours. During these sessions they will be taught workplace readiness, and essential entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills in a 15-week programme. In addition to a theoretical grounding, the learners will gain practical interpersonal skills and business experience by starting up and managing their own businesses over the duration of the programme, which concludes on 31 July 2013.
Articles of Interest
The Power of Technology in Social Innovation Education - Stanford Social Innovation Review
United Nations System-Wide Action Plan on Youth; Survey Results
Seed Awards 2013 Now Open! - We are seeking entries from innovative start-up entrepreneurs who aim to generate environmental, social and economic benefits at the local level in a country with a developing or emerging economy.
United Nations System-Wide Action Plan on Youth; Survey Results
Seed Awards 2013 Now Open! - We are seeking entries from innovative start-up entrepreneurs who aim to generate environmental, social and economic benefits at the local level in a country with a developing or emerging economy.
Listen to the podcast of our Managing Director, Linda McClure's interview on the David O'Sullivan show on 702 here
JASA in the Media
