Yes I Can Initiative

The Yes I Can Initiative has been developed as a practical learner intervention programme to position young learners on a course of action to reach their dreams so that they become part of a definite solution for South Africa, after their education.

It will eventually be available to all learners (advantaged and disadvantaged) so that South Africa will ultimately have an abundance of entrepreneurs well able to create sufficient job opportunities.

We tested the programme at the Sinenjongo High School, Joe Slovo Park, Milnerton because of the great need to address the low level of self esteem of the learners at this school while preparing them to become the best that they can become, including that of job creators.

Currently we intervene at Grade 10 (learners 16/17 years of age) who are the most vulnerable to negative peer pressure. The programme is a strict one. It makes a strong promise but demands a big commitment and effort from the learner.

Learners are confronted with three choices for their future and must make a choice as to which one they will choose as the road to travel for their lives.

Learners are then introduced to the 5 Mountain Entrepreneur Development and Challenge Programme and begin the work of conquering each mountain until they arrive, in the market place, as a 2-Tier (business + community) entrepreneur and business owner..... a few years down the line.

This programme will help them bridge the gap between the poor economy and the strong economy in the community, in partnership with business and the community (general public).

Awards are presented at school assembly as each mountain is conquered. They receive recognition from their peers, teachers and the school principal. At these award ceremonies, the learners have an opportunity to meet with local businessmen and women. This is very exciting for the learners.

Participating businessmen/women and the general public are kept informed as to their progress and are invited to attend these award ceremonies.

Trainers of the BBN – Yes I Can – 5 Mountain Programme are local businessmen and women. They commit to train for one hour a week at the school. We are impressed by the willingness of business to participate, a clear indication that the plan has been well received and supported.

We were greatly encouraged when we received the following from the BBN Liaison Teacher at Sinenjongo High School after the success of our initial test class:

The level of self-esteem of the 700 learners of the Sinenjongo High School is very low with the exception of those in the BBN - Yes I Can Programme. The learners in the programme have a much higher level of self-esteem and their confidence in their future is impacting the other learners positively. I would like to thank BBN for the good work you are doing at Sinenjongo and would like to see many more learners in the programme in 2010. Lulama Ngqakaza, BBN Liaison Teacher, Sinenjongo High School, Joe Slovo Park, Milnerton.