CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT AT SOWETO DIEPKLOOF WELFARE CENTRE

Every new business begins with an idea, but every successful entrepreneur begins with something even more important: the belief that they are capable of creating something of their own. Developing that belief takes time, encouragement, and access to the right opportunities. For 24 young women at the Soweto Diepkloof Welfare Centre, that opportunity came through the Youth Enterprise Development Program (YEDP), a journey that challenged them to think differently about their futures and the possibilities within their own communities.

Funded by the Itirele Foundation, the program officially began on April 21, 2026, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds who shared a common ambition to learn, grow and explore entrepreneurship as a pathway toward economic independence. Over the course of 10 sessions, the young women immersed themselves in practical learning experiences that introduced them to business planning, financial management, opportunity identification, customer value, communication and the mindset required to build a sustainable enterprise.

While entrepreneurship formed the foundation of the program, the greatest transformation often happened in the conversations between participants. As they worked through ideas, exchanged experiences and encouraged one another, they began to recognize strengths they had not always seen in themselves. Business concepts became more than classroom exercises. They became opportunities to solve problems, respond to community needs and imagine businesses that could create lasting value for others.

Throughout the program, facilitators encouraged participants to challenge assumptions, think creatively and develop solutions that reflected both their passions and the realities of the communities in which they live. Each session built on the previous one, helping participants strengthen not only their entrepreneurial knowledge but also their ability to communicate ideas, collaborate with others and approach challenges with determination.

On July 17, 2026, those months of dedication culminated in a graduation ceremony that celebrated much more than the completion of a program. Families and facilitators gathered to recognize the perseverance, commitment and personal growth demonstrated by every participant throughout the journey.

For each graduate, receiving a certificate represented something deeply personal. For some, it marked the confidence to pursue a long-held business idea. For others, it symbolized resilience, personal growth or the courage to believe that entrepreneurship could become part of their future. Collectively, the certificates reflected the determination of 24 young women who chose to invest in themselves and embrace new possibilities.

JA South Africa extends its sincere appreciation to the Itirele Foundation for making this initiative possible. Their investment reaches far beyond the classroom, creating pathways for young women to participate more fully in South Africa's economy while inspiring them to become innovators, business owners and leaders within their communities.

Although the graduation ceremony marked the conclusion of ten inspiring sessions, it also signaled the beginning of many new chapters. The ideas developed throughout the program now have the opportunity to grow into businesses, careers and contributions that will positively shape families, communities and the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs.