WILDLANDS, through a programme known as the Rural Sustainable Enterprise Development and Skill Strengthening Programme, made possible by a grant from the Walmart Foundation is improving the lives of rural communities.
The programme enables local communities, including ‘Green-preneurs’, to be trained and mentored in small business skills over the next three years.
The programme has been presented in the KwaGumbi, Mandlakazi, KwaJobe, Dube and Sokhulu rural communities.
The primary objectives of this programme will improve the candidates’ entrepreneurial capacity and employability with the intent of improving their livelihood and encouraging the development of the local rural economy.
Developing green businesses
The training encourages and supports the development of businesses that contribute to sustainable resource use and leverage opportunities of the Green Economy.
The Walmart Foundation supports non-profit organisations across the globe, improving lives through three core pillars of work focused in opportunity, sustainability, and community.
‘We are proud to support Wildlands and the Rural Sustainable Development and Skill Strengthening Programme, which we believe will impart lasting skills that can be shared across communities,’ said Karrie Denniston, Senior Director, Walmart Foundation.
Encouraging entrepreneurs
‘We believe sustainable development in rural communities can be accelerated through direct skills building and growth of entrepreneurship, which addresses local needs and challenges.’
Wildlands aim, after the three years of the programme, is to have over 200 individuals running successful and sustainable small businesses, improving the lives of their own families and those of their fellow community members.
‘We welcome the Walmart Foundation’s support to enable Wildlands to take forward this significant rural livelihood development opportunity,’ said Louise Duys, Wildlands Director of Partnerships.
Accredited course
The New Venture Creation Skills Programme that the individuals will attend is a NQF level 2 accredited programme.
The course structure includes facilitated training sessions, practical assignments that contribute to the development of their businesses and support from local mentors.
Manqoba Sabela, Wildlands’ Strategic Manager said,’Last week saw the launch of the New Venture Creation Skills Programme where 49 community members gathered across two locations to commence their training.
‘The programme will provide an opportunity for individuals, recruited from Wildlands’ legacy Green-preneur networks in these communities, to start and sustainably establish their own small businesses, through the provision of training, mentorship and start-up stock.
In so doing they will secure a supplementary livelihood for themselves and their extended family unit.’
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
