Introducing Social Entrepreneurship in the South African Context to International Students from Western Norway.
We are excited to share the success of our recent Social Enterprise Tour, where students from Western Norway University embarked on a transformative journey in collaboration with UCT Graduate School of Business. It was an enriching experience filled with insightful discussions, inspiring visits, and meaningful connections.
On the 11th of March, we kicked off with the Launch of the International School Programme collaborating with Western Norway University and UCT GSB to bridge geographical boundaries and foster international partnerships in the pursuit of social change. Together, we are creating a platform for cross-cultural learning and collaboration, inspiring students to become agents of positive change in their own communities.
The program aims to create impactful assignments for students while providing vital support to local social enterprises. Through immersion in South African culture and exposure to complex social issues, students gain invaluable experiences that challenge their perspectives and foster personal growth.
The structure of the program includes four days a week of work at social enterprises, complemented by academic sessions at UCT GSB. Orientation activities, including social enterprise tours and academic workshops, facilitate student engagement and understanding of South Africa's social landscape.
A Journey of Exploration:
On the 15th of March, we took the Western Norway University students on an immersive journey into the realm of social entrepreneurship in South Africa. The tour commenced with an orientation session, followed by visits to a variety of social enterprises.
Orientation Session:
The morning session commenced with an engaging introduction to the Social Enterprise Tour, led by the SEA Team. Participants then embarked on an exploration of social enterprise, diving into its definition, characteristics, revenue models, and sustainability aspects. Through interactive discussions and handouts, attendees gained valuable insights into the diverse nature of social enterprises and their role in driving positive change.
Social Enterprises Visited:
One of the highlights of our tour was the visit to Taking Care of Business (TCB), where students gained firsthand knowledge about empowering communities through sustainable business practices. The interactions with TCB's team provided invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of social entrepreneurship.
Including U-Turn and Living Roots. At U-Turn, they witnessed the transformative work being done to support individuals experiencing homelessness, while at Living Roots, they explored the impact of indigenous plant nurseries on environmental conservation and community development.
The tour concluded with a visit to I Love Coffee, a social enterprise empowering deaf individuals through hospitality training, exemplifying the diverse and impactful initiatives driving social change in South Africa.
The Afternoon Debrief:
Provided a platform for reflection, allowing participants to share their learnings, surprises, and inspirations from the day's visits. Facilitated discussions on each social enterprise visited offered deeper insights into their impact and operational models. Overall, the program fostered a rich learning experience, equipping them with a deeper understanding of social entrepreneurship and its potential for creating meaningful social change.
As we celebrate the success of this tour, we are reminded of the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Our commitment to empowering future leaders in social entrepreneurship remains unwavering, and we look forward to continuing our journey of impact and innovation.
Sabele Ntoyanto
Marketing Officer | Content Creator | Photographer