Social Enterprise Schools

By giving young people in South Africa a real-life experience of running their own social enterprise, this programme delivers transformational learning which impacts them, their school and their community.

Our Social Enterprise Schools programme is designed to develop employability and entrepreneurial skills in young people while promoting awareness of social enterprise as an exciting way of doing business and solving problems in their local community. It gives young people the opportunity to take part in a transformative learning experience while aspiring to affect social change in their communities.

Celebrating our Pilot

In 2021, Social Enterprise Academy Africa partnered with British Council SA and launched the very first Social Enterprise Schools pilot programme in South Africa.

Ten primary schools from all across the Western Cape Province participated in a 6-month pilot programme which supported over 700 learners to start social enterprises to help address social and environmental needs within their communities. More than 20 teachers were trained as coaches to help facilitate and support these pupil-led social enterprises.

Awards

Hidayatul Primary School was awarded prize money for the best social enterprise for their innovative eco-garden project. The winning team focused their social enterprise on poverty alleviation, selling hand-made recycled planters and using the proceeds to set up feeding stations in their community. The planters are kept at the school in their eco-garden, which is tended to by learners of all ages.

The top 3 school teams also received special prizes including several awards to students and teachers for their outstanding achievements during the programme.

The Pitching Bee

The Pitching Bee Event was held at Golden Grove Primary School in Rondebosch, Cape Town. This celebration event gave the young learners an opportunity to pitch their top 10 social enterprises to a panel of judges and get feedback to support their future growth and deepen their impact.

The Social Enterprise Schools pilot programme in South Africa has helped set up 13 successful pupil-led social enterprises in Cape Town.