JA Africa, Theirworld empower 500+ school girls

JUNIOR Achievers (JA) Africa has partnered with Theirworld to empower more than 500 school girls with entrepreneurial skills in Zimbabwe and Zambia through the “Rise Up Girls” project.

JA Africa is a non-profit organisation fostering youth economic empowerment, and Theirworld is a global children’s charity.

In a statement, JA Africa said the ground-breaking partnership seeks to equip young girls aged 13-19 during a 16-week programme with the tools they need to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders.

The organisation said giving girls the practical skills and mind-set to succeed as entrepreneurs and leaders can transform their lives and their communities.

“In the JA Zimbabwe Rise Up Girls project, students will learn how businesses work and about critical thinking, problem-solving, financial literacy and effective communication.

“Coached by professionals who volunteer their time, the girls will work in teams to come up with their own business ideas that fill a gap in the market or address a community need,” reads part of the statement.

“They will then design, produce, test and market their own products and services.”

JA Africa chief executive officer Simi Nwogugu said: “I am incredibly excited about this partnership with Theirworld”.

“Together, we will empower African girls, unlocking their potential as future entrepreneurs and leaders. By equipping them with the necessary skills and mindset, we are building a solid foundation for their success and contribution to society.”

The new partnership reflects Theirworld, JA Africa and JA Zimbabwe’s shared vision of creating opportunities for young people in Africa and addressing the gender divide by investing in girls’ futures.

“JA Rise Up Girls will leverage the existing JA Company Programme, which introduces economic education to high school students by allowing them to organise and operate their own business.”

The organisation said after the 16-week programme, the student teams will be invited to compete at the Company of the Year competition nationally, where they can pitch their business ideas to real entrepreneurs and business professionals.

“National winners qualify to represent their countries at JA Africa’s Regional Company of the Year competition,” said JA.

Theirworld president Justin van Fleet said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with JA Africa to empower girls in Africa to become the business leaders of the future.

“By equipping girls with vital business skills, as well as cultivating the professional skills needed in the workplace, we are giving girls the opportunity to thrive and become change-makers in their communities.”

JA Zimbabwe Executive Director Allen Chinhanhu said “The programme comes at an opportune time as the nation moves to uplift girls to become leaders in their communities, solidifying efforts that JA Zimbabwe is already doing through the Take 10 Thousand Girls to Work programme”.

The partnership between JA Africa and Theirworld sets an inspiring precedent for organisations across Africa and the world, demonstrating the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in youth empowerment and entrepreneurship education.

By investing in girls’ futures, the partners foster a generation of strong, independent, and visionary young women who will shape Africa’s future. — @SikhulekelaniM1