1. Introduction
1.1 Overview
SayPro (SayPro International), in partnership with Accenture South Africa, has launched a life-changing Graphic Design Training Program aimed at empowering 50 young individuals from Diepsloot with digital design skills. This initiative forms part of a broader vision to foster economic inclusion, digital literacy, and creative entrepreneurship in underserved communities.
Diepsloot, a densely populated township in northern Johannesburg, faces high levels of unemployment, poverty, and limited access to skills development. Through this partnership, SayPro and Accenture seek to unlock the creative potential of young residents and provide them with a stepping stone into the digital economy.
2. Background and Context
2.1 About SayPro
SayPro is a pan-African non-profit organization and social enterprise committed to building a future where all young people, regardless of their background, have access to meaningful opportunities. SayPro provides:
- Vocational and digital skills training
- Civic education and leadership development
- Entrepreneurship support
- Community upliftment programs
Operating across South Africa, SayPro has a dedicated presence in Diepsloot through its local learning center and youth network.
2.2 About Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global leader in consulting and professional services with expertise in technology and digital transformation. Through its Skills to Succeed corporate citizenship program, Accenture helps people gain the skills to participate in and contribute to the digital economy. Its partnership with SayPro in Diepsloot is part of a larger mission to reduce inequality and support economic growth through education and innovation.
3. Rationale for the Program
3.1 The Socio-Economic Challenge in Diepsloot
Diepsloot is home to approximately 350,000 people, with a large youth population. Many residents live in informal settlements, with limited access to formal education, employment, and digital infrastructure.
Youth in Diepsloot face:
- Unemployment rates exceeding 60%
- Lack of access to vocational training
- Few opportunities in digital or creative industries
- Economic exclusion from South Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy
3.2 The Opportunity in Digital Creativity
The creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. From advertising and digital marketing to social media and animation, skilled graphic designers are in demand.
However, the barriers to entry—access to training, software, mentorship, and exposure—remain high for township youth. This program addresses those challenges head-on by delivering high-quality, practical design training directly in Diepsloot.
4. Program Objectives
The SayPro–Accenture Graphic Design Training Program in Diepsloot aims to:
- Train 50 young people in digital graphic design
- Provide hands-on experience with industry-standard design tools
- Help participants build professional portfolios
- Support graduates in securing freelance work, internships, or employment
- Create a local network of creatives, mentors, and professionals
5. Program Structure and Delivery
5.1 Duration and Format
- Program Length: 12 weeks
- Format: Hybrid learning (in-person at SayPro’s Diepsloot Centre and virtual sessions)
- Weekly Schedule: 3 learning sessions + 1 mentorship session
- Language: English with multilingual support (Zulu, Tswana, Sepedi)
5.2 Learning Environment
- Classes conducted at SayPro’s Diepsloot community center
- Equipped with computers, internet, and licensed design software
- Support staff and facilitators available on-site
6. Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is tailored to equip learners with foundational, technical, and entrepreneurial skills in graphic design.
Module 1: Design Foundations
- Principles of design (balance, contrast, alignment, proximity)
- Introduction to visual communication
- Color theory, typography, and composition
Module 2: Software Training
- Adobe Photoshop: Image manipulation, digital art, layouts
- Adobe Illustrator: Logo design, vector illustration
- Canva and open-source tools: Quick design templates for marketing
Module 3: Brand and Content Creation
- Developing brand identities
- Designing for social media and digital platforms
- Visual storytelling and campaign design
Module 4: Project Work and Portfolio
- Real-world briefs (e.g., local business branding)
- Peer reviews and mentor critiques
- Portfolio development and online presentation
Module 5: Creative Entrepreneurship
- How to price design services
- Freelancing platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer
- Building a digital presence (LinkedIn, Behance, Instagram)
- Basic business skills: client communication, invoicing, copyright
7. Participant Recruitment and Selection
7.1 Target Beneficiaries
- Youth aged 18–35
- Residents of Diepsloot (with proof of residence)
- Unemployed or underemployed individuals
- Passion for creativity, design, or media
- Basic computer literacy
7.2 Application Process
- Applications accepted online and via community partners
- In-person interviews and design aptitude assessment
- Gender-balanced selection, with preference for women and persons with disabilities
8. Support Provided to Participants
8.1 Technical Support
- Free access to laptops, internet, and design software at training venue
- Optional data vouchers for remote work
8.2 Mentorship and Guidance
- One-on-one mentorship from design professionals
- Weekly check-ins and progress reviews
- Career counseling and freelancing support
8.3 Post-Training Opportunities
- Access to SayPro’s job placement services
- Inclusion in the SayPro Freelance Design Network
- Continued support through alumni workshops and advanced courses
9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Certification
9.1 Performance Tracking
- Pre-training and post-training assessments
- Weekly assignments and project reviews
- Attendance and engagement logs
9.2 Certification
- Certificate of Completion (co-branded by SayPro and Accenture)
- Digital Portfolio hosted online
- Letter of Recommendation for employment or freelance applications
10. Outcomes and Impact
10.1 Short-Term Outcomes
- 50 participants gain industry-relevant design skills
- Each learner completes a professional-grade design portfolio
- Increased digital confidence and job readiness
10.2 Medium-Term Outcomes
- At least 60% of participants secure internships, freelance work, or employment within 6 months
- Local businesses and NGOs benefit from free or affordable design services from graduates
- Growth in youth-led microenterprises and freelance services in Diepsloot
10.3 Long-Term Vision
- Establishment of a Diepsloot Creative Hub powered by SayPro and supported by industry mentors
- Replication of the program in other townships like Orange Farm, Ivory Park, and Mamelodi
- Contribution to the growth of the South African township creative economy
11. Testimonials and Community Impact (Anticipated)
“Before this, I didn’t even know what Adobe Illustrator was. Now I’m designing logos and content for small businesses in my neighborhood.”
– Future Participant, Diepsloot
“The mentorship changed everything. I’ve learned more in 3 months than I did in years trying to teach myself.”
– Future Graduate, Diepsloot Extension 4
“Our goal is to show that talent lives everywhere—even in places like Diepsloot. We just need to unlock it.”
– SayPro Program Manager
12. Strategic Value of the Partnership
12.1 Accenture’s Role
- Program funding and support
- Provision of mentors and trainers from Accenture’s design and marketing teams
- Knowledge sharing and curriculum enhancement
12.2 SayPro’s Role
- Community outreach and training delivery
- Ongoing support for learners through alumni and placement services
- Monitoring, evaluation, and program reporting
13. Call for Collaboration
This program is only the beginning. SayPro and Accenture are actively seeking partnerships with:
- Local and international funders
- Design agencies and creative studios for internships
- Technology companies to sponsor hardware/software
- Media and advertising companies to showcase graduate work
14. Conclusion
The SayPro–Accenture Graphic Design Training Program in Diepsloot is a bold step toward reshaping the future of creative work in township communities. By investing in the dreams and talents of 50 young people, this initiative creates a ripple effect—changing lives, uplifting families, and energizing the township economy.
Diepsloot is not just a place of struggle—it is a place of possibility. This program proves that with access, mentorship, and belief, anything is achievable.
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