Silulo Foundation and University of the Western Cape Join Forces to Combat Urban Poverty through Student Consulting Programme

In the heart of our transformative journey, we're thrilled to share the incredible success of our partnership with the University of the Western Cape in the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative Programme, supported by Notre Dame University. This 10-month endeavor has united students and entrepreneurs in a collaborative effort to combat urban poverty and foster business growth in our cherished communities.

Programme Overview:

Imagine a 10-month adventure where students from the University of the Western Cape, guided by the visionary Dr. Morris, engage in hands-on consulting with entrepreneurs. This unique initiative provides an opportunity to address challenges, implement solutions, and gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of starting and running a successful business.

Remarkable Reflections from Our First Cohort:

The feedback from our inaugural cohort of students is nothing short of remarkable. Profound appreciation is expressed for the exposure and practical knowledge gained, highlighting the transformative impact on their understanding of business processes. This experience has been a catalyst for personal and professional growth, providing a real-world context for the theories learned in the classroom.

Impact on Students, Entrepreneurs, and the Community:

Let's celebrate not only the individual success stories of our students but also the broader impact on entrepreneurs and the community. Tangible outcomes include students being hired by the entrepreneurs they consulted, contributing to the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and addressing the critical issue of unemployment in our communities.

Contribution to National Job Creation:

In alignment with national efforts to combat unemployment, we proudly announce that our collective entrepreneurial interventions, including the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative, have contributed to a 0.7% reduction in the national unemployment rate. These statistics, recently released by Statistics South Africa, underscore the significance of initiatives like ours in fostering economic growth and creating employment opportunities.

Looking Ahead with Hope:

As we celebrate these initial successes, our eyes are set on the horizon of the future. Together with the University of the Western Cape, we are steadfast in our commitment to empowering students, entrepreneurs, and communities through education, collaboration, and sustainable business practices.

Our deepest gratitude to all participants, partners, and supporters who have made this initiative possible. Your unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on urban poverty and unemployment is truly inspiring.

Together, let's continue to be beacons of change, lighting up paths to brighter futures.

Romeo R. , Beltia Melk , Luvuyo Rani , Abraham Oliver , University of the Western Cape