Empowering Dreams: The Transformative Journey of Enterprise Development for NEETs – From Challenges to Triumphs

In a world often characterized by barriers and challenges, there exists a person with dreams who does not believe that they can become true, one that transcends limitations and nurtures potential.

Enterprise Development is a journey of empowerment, where individuals, once sidelined by circumstance, are given the tools to not only dream but to realize those dreams in the form of sustainable businesses. This is the story of enterprise development, a beacon of hope for those labeled in the NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)  funnel.

At its core, enterprise development is more than just about starting a business; it’s a catalyst for personal transformation. It begins with a series of interventions designed not only to upskill individuals, but to reignite their sense of purpose and possibility. Through compassionate guidance and unwavering support, these individuals are empowered to dream, design, and run businesses that thrive financially and enrich their spiritual and emotional well-being.

One of the cornerstones of this journey is the invaluable support of mentors, often found within the Doxa Deo family or surrounding business owners. These mentors play a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding learners, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a roadmap to success. With their guidance, learners navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, learning not only the technical skills but also the invaluable lessons of resilience, perseverance, and adaptability.

Take, for instance, the inspiring story of a business venture that manufactures dirty laundry bags for hotels using discontinued linen from the same establishments. This innovative approach not only addresses the environmental concerns of textile waste but also provides a sustainable solution for hotels while offering meaningful business development opportunities for the POPUP learners. It’s a testament to the transformative power of enterprise development, where creativity and resourcefulness converge to create positive change.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Enterprise development goes beyond the mere creation of businesses; it’s about equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Through training in leatherworking, learners discover new talents and passions, crafting exquisite products such as leather journals, credit card holders, and canvas aprons. These products not only serve as corporate gifts but also symbolize the journey of personal growth and empowerment undertaken by each individual.

More than just acquiring technical skills, learners emerge from this journey with a newfound sense of purpose and belonging. They develop the ability to communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and lead themselves and others with compassion and integrity, functioning in complex systems. Armed with these skills, they become active contributors to their communities, driving positive change and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Ultimately, the goal of enterprise development is to transform individuals from hopeless consumers to empowered creators. It’s about instilling a sense of self-belief, enabling individuals to face any challenge life may throw their way with courage and resilience. Through this journey, our POPUP learners become not only entrepreneurs but also ambassadors of possibility, proving that with the right support and determination, anything is possible.

As we celebrate the successes of enterprise development, let us remember that the true measure of its impact lies not just in the businesses created, but in the lives transformed. Each success story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential that lies within each one of us. In lifting others, we also lift ourselves, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.

Marlise Johnson

[email protected]

Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkedin
Share on Pinterest

Leave a comment

Home-Based Care

REQUIREMENT: ABET Level 4, Mathematical Literacy NQF Level 1 

ABOUT: The Home-Based Care skills programme enables the learners to perform basic first aid and implement primary health care and frail care 


PROGRAMME DURATION: 
5 Weeks theoretical training at a POPUP centre, 
Monday to Friday from 08:00 – 15:00 
12 Weeks practical training at a clinic 
(Night/Day Duty – Weekdays/Holidays/Weekends) 

Hospitality Services

The Hospitality skills programme provides the learner with the skills needed to become an assistant chef and a food server assistant. These skills will empower the learner to work in any restaurant establishment, or even to start their own catering company/restaurant. 

REQUIREMENT: Minimum of NQF Level 2 literacy and numeracy 
PROGRAMME DURATION: 
16 weeks (Including Work Integrated Learning) 

Early Childhood Development

The ECD qualification will enable recipients to facilitate the all-round development of young children in a manner that is sensitive to cultural and individual needs (including special needs), and enable them to provide quality early childhood development services for children in a variety of contexts, including community-based services, ECD centres, at home and in institutions 

REQUIREMENT: English Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3 
PROGRAMME DURATION: 18 months at POPUP 


Workshops of one week (5 days) per month, with compulsory attendance per programme. Practical experience at an ECD centre under supervision of a qualified (level 4 or higher) ECD practitioner as mentor 

Computer & Office Admin

The Computer and Office Administration skills programme provides learners with the skills required to be involved in the administration function in any organisation or business 

REQUIREMENT: Meeting minimum literacy requirements 
PROGRAMME DURATION 11 Weeks theoretical training at a POPUP centre,  

Monday to Friday 08:00 -15:00 
1 – 3 Weeks practical training in the business environment 

Adult Education Training

The AET skills programme is the foundation training for all learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for the accredited skills programmes of their choice and to ensure that they are ready for any skills programme. In addition, learners that already qualify to do a skills programme may also utilise the AET programme to improve their English and Mathematics while 
waiting for placement in another skills programme. 

 

REQUIREMENT: Meeting minimum literacy requirements 
PROGRAMME DURATION3 Months, Monday to Friday 08:00 – 15:00 

Quality Staff

POPUP also offers its skills training to corporate clients that want to up-skill their employees.

We provide training solutions such as Adult Education and Training, Occupational Health and Safety, Life skills, Workplace Readiness and a variety of soft skills to suit the requirements of the corporate environment.

Learnerships

Your company can get involved in furthering the practical skills of our POPUP learners.

Essentially the learner would work within your workplace environment at no cost to your organisation besides the workspace and equipment required to complete day to day tasks, while they gain useful work experience.

Enterprise Development

We train new entrepreneurs in developing their own businesses through an Enterprise Development programme that includes both theoretical & practical training. Many of our skills programmes have an entrepreneurial focus.

You can obtain the full benefit of claiming points for ED through:

Capital outlay

Supporting entrepreneurs in training and mentorship

Involving entrepreneurs as suppliers of your business

Preferential rates and supply chain support

Tax Benefits

98% of the beneficiaries are designated groups.

Claim your financial or “donation in kind” contribution as a deduction on your income tax. 

POPUP provides a Tax Certificate to you.

B-BEEE Scoring

POPUP is a B-BEEE level 1 contributor and is a value-adding organisation.

Benefits include an additional 15 points on your B-BBEE scorecard.

POPUP is a credible and accountable organisation with good corporate governance systems.

POPUP is aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP).

Obtain maximum SED, ESD and Skills Development points for your B-BBEE scorecard.

POPUP will be able to present skills training to your lower level employees at your company premises at times and intervals suitable to your needs.  Our Personal Growth and Life Skills Programme, AET (previously ABET) and Basic Computer Training will develop and empower your staff as part of your annual Skills Plan. Obtain B-BBEE scorecard and tax benefits for Skills Development and claim your contribution back from the Skills Fund.  POPUP will measure the outcome and ensure ROI to you as a company.

Online


Select a POPUP Location:
Select a POPUP Location:
Select a Category:
Select a Category:
Description:
Description:
Amount:
Amount:
R

In cases of the wrong amount typed in by the donor, POPUP will refund the donor to the full amount deducting the banking cost incurred to POPUP within 30 days.

Snapscan

SnapScan is an app that lets you pay with your phone quickly, easily, and safely. Your SnapScan app uses your phone’s camera to scan a SnapCode (a unique QR code).