Empowering Soweto’s Youth At The `Education Uplifting Ikasi` Career & Entrepreneurship Expo
Empowering Soweto’s Youth At The `Education Uplifting Ikasi` Career & Entrepreneurship Expo. The 21st Century Foundation, in partnership with Bright Star Academy, is proud to announce the upcoming “Education Uplifting Ikasi” Career & Entrepreneurship Expo, scheduled for 31 August 2024 at Fons Luminis Secondary School in Diepkloof, Soweto. Now in its second year, this pivotal program and event marks a significant milestone in 21st Century Foundation’s mission to empower and uplift the youth of Soweto, providing them with exposure to diverse career paths, entrepreneurial opportunities and motivational talks that can shape their future.
Soweto, a community rich in history and culture, remains a beacon of resilience and potential. Yet, many young people in this area face limited access to career guidance and educational resources. Additionally, the youth at Fons Luminis Secondary School encounter numerous social challenges, including mental health issues. The “Education Uplifting Ikasi” Expo seeks to bridge this gap by bringing the business and corporate world directly to the learners, showcasing a wide array of career opportunities and entrepreneurial acumen, providing hands-on experiences. By expanding the lens through which they see the world, the expo aims to inspire and equip the youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive world.
The expo is not just an event; it’s a movement towards creating sustainable change in the community. The foundation’s collaboration with Bright Star Academy, a local tutoring company founded by an engineering graduate passionate about maths and science, exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives. Together, they have already employed eight unemployed graduates from various parts of Soweto, providing them with meaningful work and the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners.
Recognising the social challenges the youth faces, the expo will also feature motivational and inspirational talks, offering guidance and support to help them overcome these obstacles. By connecting them to the world beyond their immediate environment, the expo hopes to broaden their worldview and inspire them to envision a future filled with possibilities.
To make this year’s expo a resounding success, the expo is calling on businesses, organisations, and individuals to join it as partners and sponsors. Their support can take many forms, including:
- Exhibiting Products and Services: Showcase your offerings in our Expo Exhibition space.
- Presenting on the Main Stage: Engage with learners through dynamic presentations.
- Co-sponsoring: Help cater lunch for the learners on the day of the event.
- Motivational Speaking: Inspire the youth with your story and insights
Beyond the expo, businesses are invited to partner with the companies in ongoing initiatives that include:
- Providing education materials and stationery.
- Offering teacher training, coaching, and mentoring.
- Sponsoring grades for focused tutoring in Maths and Science.
- Introducing extra-curricular programs at the school.
- Supporting school infrastructure maintenance.
