Our Inspiration
The potential of Africa’s youth.
Definition: possibility for
achievement
As a team of creative individuals
driven by our passion for Africa and the belief that a strong private sector is
the key to realizing Africa’s economic potential, we see the possibilities for
achievement in the youth.
Our inspiration starts with the
potential of the youth, their creativity, ambition and tenacity are critical
qualities in reaching success. We dream of the promise in our students and the
impact that it will have on themselves, their communities, and Africa. We look
for those who are willing to make it happen and persist in making it happen.
The educational systems of many
African countries encourage rote memorization of abstract theories and stifle
creative thinking among students, compromising their creativity, ability to
apply theory into practice and realize the rewards of independent thinking and
hard work.
By creating an environment for the
youth to nurture their creative instincts, develop business acumen, we are
inspired to find ways to fulfill their entrepreneurial potential!
Our Projects
2012
In 2012 IYEA launched our pilot program.
2013
In 2012, we ran a hugely successful entrepreneurship
training program for 29 students. The program received overwhelming community
support through sponsorship by AIAT, and local and international expert mentors
and subject matter expert guest speakers. We garnered great attention from the
press.
The program was focused teaching business concepts and
applying theory into practice through creating business teams who were required
to develop an idea and build a business pitch.
Realizing reward for hard work is part of the
entrepreneur’s reality. At the end of the program, a judging panel from the
various teams and reward members of the winning project with a business
consultant and $1,500 seed capital to realize their business goals
2014
In 2014, IYEA will run two programs concurrently.
1. The first program will build on the success in 2013.
With sponsorship and community support, we hope to train 120 – 150 students
2. The second program is a new initiative. In the first
half of 2013, we realized we had some students who were eager to explore entrepreneurship
in the arts. 2014 we will provide this experience for them.
OUR FUTURE -
Our successes so far is only the beginning of a long march towards our vision –
for IYEA to inspire Africa’s youth and spark their entrepreneurial talents to
create businesses that solve Africa’s problems and drive the continent forward.
1 year
Within the next year we plan to take our first steps outside Swaziland, into Mozambique,
Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
5 years
In five years, we will launch five learning centres across Africa, from which
IYEA will run. We will also begin to tap into the strength of our growing
alumni network across the continent and begin the beginning of our
international collaboration
10 years
Within a decade, we will realize our ambition and see successful businesses
across Africa set up by these young entrepreneurs.
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