1. Executive Summary
In a powerful collaboration focused on youth development and digital empowerment, SayPro (SayPro International) has partnered with Accenture South Africa to implement a Graphic Design Training Program aimed at upskilling 50 young individuals from South African townships. This initiative empowers disadvantaged youth with sought-after digital design skills, enhancing their employability and enabling them to participate meaningfully in the country’s evolving digital economy.
The training is specifically targeted at youth residing in historically marginalized areas such as Soweto, Diepsloot, Khayelitsha, Alexandra, and Tembisa, where unemployment and digital exclusion remain critical challenges.
2. About the Partners
2.1 SayPro (SayPro International)
SayPro is a pan-African social enterprise and non-profit organization that focuses on transforming the lives of youth and communities through education, training, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. With active operations across major South African townships, SayPro is known for:
- Delivering accessible and relevant vocational training programs
- Empowering youth through digital literacy and creative innovation
- Supporting entrepreneurship, especially in underserved areas
- Collaborating with local and global organizations for sustainable development
2.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global leader in consulting and professional services, with deep expertise in technology, innovation, and human capital development. Through its Skills to Succeed initiative, Accenture is committed to helping millions of people globally build skills for employment and entrepreneurship. In South Africa, the company prioritizes:
- Youth skills development
- Bridging the digital divide
- Promoting inclusive economic growth
- Supporting township-based innovation and creativity
3. Rationale for the Program
3.1 The Digital Divide in Townships
Despite being hubs of cultural dynamism and creativity, many townships face systemic barriers such as:
- High youth unemployment (often above 60%)
- Limited access to digital infrastructure and technology
- Inadequate exposure to creative industries and entrepreneurship
- Minimal career guidance and mentorship opportunities
This partnership directly addresses these challenges by bringing industry-relevant training and mentorship to the township level, where it is most needed.
3.2 The Power of Graphic Design as a Pathway
Graphic design sits at the intersection of creativity, technology, and commerce. It plays a crucial role in:
- Advertising and branding
- Social media content creation
- Website and app design (UI/UX)
- Corporate communication and digital marketing
By training township youth in graphic design, the program opens pathways to freelancing, remote work, and small business opportunities—thus contributing to inclusive economic development.
4. Program Overview
4.1 Program Goals
The SayPro–Accenture Graphic Design Program aims to:
- Train and certify 50 unemployed or underemployed township youth
- Provide hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and real-world projects
- Build professional digital portfolios for each participant
- Support pathways into jobs, internships, and freelance opportunities
4.2 Location and Focus Areas
The program will operate across selected townships, including:
- Soweto (Gauteng)
- Diepsloot (Gauteng)
- Khayelitsha (Western Cape)
- Alexandra (Gauteng)
- Tembisa (Gauteng)
5. Program Design and Structure
5.1 Duration and Format
- Total Duration: 12 weeks
- Mode of Delivery: Hybrid (blended learning: in-person and online)
- Sessions: 3 workshops per week + weekly mentorship and portfolio sessions
- Language Support: English, with multilingual support in isiXhosa, isiZulu, and Sesotho
5.2 Learning Environment
Participants will learn in fully equipped SayPro training centers, community halls, and digital labs. Each center offers:
- Computers with design software
- Internet access
- Facilitators and teaching assistants
- Learning materials (printed and digital)
6. Curriculum Outline
The curriculum is jointly developed by SayPro and Accenture Learning experts to reflect real-world design needs and career readiness.
Module 1: Introduction to Graphic Design
- History of design and modern trends
- Principles of design (alignment, contrast, proximity, balance)
- Color theory and typography
Module 2: Tools of the Trade
- Adobe Photoshop: photo editing, poster design
- Adobe Illustrator: logo creation, vector art
- Canva: user-friendly templates for quick content
- Basics of Figma (optional module)
Module 3: Creative Communication
- Designing for brands and businesses
- Social media content and advertising design
- Personal storytelling through design
Module 4: Real-World Projects
- Working on mock client briefs
- Designing logos, social media campaigns, and marketing materials
- Group presentations and critique sessions
Module 5: Freelancing and Career Readiness
- Setting up a freelancing profile
- Building and hosting a digital portfolio (Behance, personal website)
- Career mapping: internships, design jobs, entrepreneurship
7. Beneficiary Profile and Selection Process
7.1 Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18–35
- Must reside in one of the identified townships
- Must be unemployed or not in formal training
- Demonstrated interest in art, media, or technology
- Basic computer literacy preferred
7.2 Selection Process
- Online and physical application forms
- Submission of a motivation letter or short video
- Community outreach via local NGOs, schools, and faith-based groups
- Final selection conducted by SayPro’s training team
8. Support Services for Learners
8.1 Technology and Access
- Access to training devices (computers and laptops)
- Data vouchers for remote learning
- Printed and digital training resources
8.2 Mentorship Program
Each learner will be paired with a design mentor from Accenture or SayPro’s alumni network. Mentors will:
- Guide learners on projects
- Help build professional portfolios
- Share career insights and industry expectations
8.3 Wellness and Soft Skills Support
- Emotional and mental health support via SayPro’s wellness counselors
- Workshops on confidence, communication, and professionalism
9. Monitoring and Evaluation
9.1 Performance Tracking
- Pre- and post-program assessments
- Attendance and participation logs
- Portfolio evaluation using industry rubrics
9.2 Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive:
- SayPro–Accenture Certificate of Completion
- A digital portfolio hosted online
- Letter of reference or recommendation
10. Impact Goals and Outcomes
Short-Term (0–3 months)
- 50 participants trained and certified
- 100% completion of digital portfolios
- Increased self-esteem and job readiness
Medium-Term (3–12 months)
- At least 60% of learners engaged in income-generating activity (employment, freelancing, internships)
- 10+ township businesses supported with design work from learners
- Community recognition of the value of design as a career path
Long-Term (1–3 years)
- Establishment of SayPro Township Design Labs
- National expansion of the program to train 500+ youth
- Creation of a township design freelancer network serving local and global clients
11. Testimonials (Anticipated)
“This training helped me build something I never thought I could—a professional portfolio. Now I’m working with two small businesses in my township, designing their flyers and online posts.”
– Program Graduate, Khayelitsha
“SayPro and Accenture didn’t just give us training—they gave us confidence. We now believe we can start our own businesses.”
– Participant, Alexandra
“I never had a mentor before. Having someone believe in me, coach me, and help me see my potential changed everything.”
– Participant, Soweto
12. Opportunities for Partnership
SayPro and Accenture invite the support of:
- Corporate funders (for equipment, stipends, expansion)
- Design firms and creative agencies (for internships and guest lectures)
- Government departments (for national rollout and endorsement)
- NGOs and community organizations (for recruitment and grassroots outreach)
13. Conclusion
The SayPro–Accenture Graphic Design Training Program is a transformative opportunity for township youth to access digital careers, express their creativity, and build meaningful livelihoods. By combining world-class training with deep community roots, the program proves that talent lives in every township—it just needs to be unlocked.
Together, we are building a more inclusive, creative, and empowered South Africa—one design at a time.
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