The Africa Foundation (USA)
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Africa Foundation (UK)
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Empowering Income Generating Activities
The scourge of unemployment in rural communities can be tackled by identifying and empowering entrepreneurs, whose small, emerging enterprises can be an effective means of job creation. We identify opportunities and help start-ups, but in particular, we stimulate the potential for income generation through a highly successful skills training programme, and through access to technology.
- DevCentre - Bridging The Digital Divide
- Skills Training - 'Learn To Earn'
- Agricultural Initiatives
The DevCentre
The DevCentre (Digital Eco-Village Centre) was established to 'bridge the digital divide' and enable local communities to have easy access to technology. Computer courses, skills training, access to the Internet and digital communications technology all form part of the DevCentre with the aim being to use technology to advance education, agriculture and healthcare.
The programme has been successfully implemented in the Mduku community near the Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal and services four communities. The first basic computer training lessons were run during May and June 2004 in conjunction with the University of Zululand, giving rural students from the communities adjacent to Phinda the opportunity to prepare for university, and to set them up for success in the future.
Skills Training
Effective skills training programmes are key to rural development and are a result of active community involvement and ownership of the processes, along with access to appropriate resources for training.
Africa Foundation sponsors a group of community members on an intensive three-month training course in KwaZulu-Natal. The programme teaches skills such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical knowledge, brick-laying, tiling, plastering and emerging contractor training. Students are selected through local authorities and comprise men and women of various ages. They arrive unemployed and semi-skilled, but leave with basic levels in all skills. Their combined abilities can build a complete house from scratch! One successful group of students has formed the Mduku Builders' Association and are working on several projects for Phinda Private Game Reserve as well as in the surrounding community.
Agricultural Projects
Agricultural projects such as provision of water and assistance with vegetable gardens have reduced malnutrition and encouraged entrepreneurial farming. In many instances, the projects have not only provided community members with food but have also resulted in extra income.
Examples are bee-keeping projects in Kenya and Tanzania, and the development of vegetable gardens in communities and schools, such as the Mketse School permaculture garden.