Byline: Captain SA

Fri, Sept 13

The GEM (Girls Empowerment and Mentorship) Program is making significant strides in empowering young women aged 20 to 24 in the townships of Ekurhuleni. This transformative program, currently hosted at the Winnie Mandela Library in Tembisa, is designed to equip young women with essential life skills, financial literacy, and business acumen, giving them the tools they need to build sustainable futures.

Stepping Stones and Girls Club Life Skills Training
One of the core elements of the GEM Program is the life skills training that participants undergo. This begins with the Stepping Stones initiative, facilitated by Hloni, which lays a strong foundation by addressing personal development, self-awareness, and goal-setting. These sessions help the girls navigate the complexities of adulthood and gain the confidence needed to take control of their lives.

Following Stepping Stones, the Girls Club takes over, led by facilitator Ntombi. Here, the focus shifts to community building and leadership. The Girls Club fosters a supportive environment where participants can share their experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen their leadership abilities. This phase ensures that these young women are not only growing individually but are also empowered to positively influence their communities.

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Financial Literacy: Truth About Money
In collaboration with 1Life and Boston City Campus, the participants were introduced to the Truth About Money program. This financial literacy initiative ensures that the girls are equipped with vital knowledge about managing personal finances, budgeting, and the importance of savings. Upon completion of the course, each participant received a certificate from 1Life, validating their new financial skills and knowledge. The partnership with these esteemed institutions has allowed the young women to build a strong financial foundation, giving them the skills necessary to make informed decisions about their futures.

FinancialLiteracy #TruthAboutMoney #Empowerment

STEP Program: Business Training and Startup Support
The final phase of the GEM Program is the STEP Program, led by facilitator Karabo, which focuses on entrepreneurship and business training. Over a period of three months, the girls are taught essential business skills, from idea development to operational management, giving them the tools they need to start and run their own small businesses. Each participant is eligible to receive up to R1000 in startup funding, along with a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

This financial support and structured guidance ensure that these young women are well-equipped to turn their business ideas into reality, contributing not only to their own economic independence but also to the broader economy of their communities.

BusinessTraining #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship

Collaborations and Community Support
The GEM Program is made possible through partnerships with organizations like CMT, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), and the Winnie Mandela Library, ensuring that the young women have access to a well-rounded support system. Led by Captain SA (SARN Specialist and Gauteng Young Vision founder and manager), this program is dedicated to uplifting the youth by providing them with both the resources and knowledge needed for a successful future.

CommunityEmpowerment #PartnershipsForSuccess #SupportLocal

The program has already had a profound impact on participants, many of whom have benefitted from incentives offered during the Stepping Stones and Girls Club phases. With the program nearing its conclusion, the young women are eager to complete their business training and embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

We encourage more young women to join the GEM Program and spread the word to those who may not yet know about this life-changing opportunity. Together, we can continue to empower the next generation of female leaders and entrepreneurs in Ekurhuleni.

For more information about the program, please contact us at info@sarainbownews.co.za or visit SA Rainbow News.

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