1. Executive Summary
In a strategic effort to address youth unemployment and digital exclusion, SayPro (SayPro International) has partnered with Accenture South Africa to launch a Graphic Design Training Program targeting 50 young individuals aged 18–35 from underserved communities. This program equips youth with practical graphic design skills aligned with current industry standards, preparing them for opportunities in employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship within the creative economy.
The initiative contributes to national and global goals of youth empowerment, digital literacy, and economic inclusion, with a particular focus on marginalized youth from urban, peri-urban, township, and rural backgrounds.
2. Background and Rationale
2.1 The Challenge of Youth Unemployment in South Africa
Youth unemployment in South Africa remains alarmingly high, with rates exceeding 60% in some provinces. Many young people:
- Lack access to quality education and training
- Are disconnected from the formal economy
- Have limited exposure to viable career paths in technology and creativity
- Are excluded from the digital transformation of industries
Without targeted interventions, millions of youth face long-term economic stagnation and disempowerment.
2.2 The Opportunity in Digital Creative Industries
Graphic design is one of the most in-demand digital skills globally, relevant to sectors such as:
- Advertising and marketing
- Social media and digital publishing
- Web and mobile app development
- Corporate communications and visual branding
Unlike many traditional career paths, graphic design offers:
- Remote work and freelance opportunities
- Creative self-expression
- Low barriers to entry with the right tools and mentorship
This makes it an ideal skill to empower youth with limited formal work experience or qualifications.
3. About the Partners
3.1 SayPro (SayPro International)
SayPro is a leading pan-African non-profit organization and social enterprise dedicated to empowering youth and communities through:
- Accredited training and skills development programs
- Entrepreneurship and job readiness support
- Civic engagement and leadership development
- Partnerships with corporate, government, and academic institutions
With national reach and deep community engagement, SayPro operates youth-focused initiatives across all nine provinces in South Africa.
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global professional services company with expertise in strategy, technology, and human capital development. Through its Skills to Succeed program, Accenture works to:
- Close skills gaps in digital and creative sectors
- Partner with grassroots organizations for inclusive impact
- Provide access to training, mentorship, and technology
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce
4. Program Overview
4.1 Purpose and Objectives
The SayPro–Accenture Graphic Design Training Program aims to:
- Train 50 young people in marketable graphic design skills
- Bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in the creative industry
- Support youth in building digital portfolios
- Prepare learners for freelance, employment, or entrepreneurship pathways
4.2 Target Beneficiaries
- Age: 18–35 years old
- Youth from urban, township, rural, and peri-urban communities
- Unemployed, underemployed, or not in education/training
- Basic literacy and interest in design or digital media
- Priority given to women, LGBTQ+ youth, persons with disabilities, and those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds
5. Geographic Reach
The program is implemented in various youth hubs across:
- Gauteng (Johannesburg, Soweto, Diepsloot)
- Western Cape (Cape Town, Khayelitsha, Delft)
- KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, Umlazi)
- Eastern Cape (Gqeberha, East London)
- Limpopo and Mpumalanga (Polokwane, Nelspruit)
Mobile training units are also used to reach youth in remote areas with limited digital infrastructure.
6. Training Program Structure
6.1 Duration and Format
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Format: Blended learning (in-person workshops + online sessions)
- Hours per week: 10–15
- Weekly components: Skills training, group projects, mentorship
6.2 Curriculum Breakdown
Module 1: Foundations of Graphic Design
- Design principles (balance, alignment, contrast, hierarchy)
- Visual storytelling and layout
- Color theory and typography
Module 2: Software Skills
- Adobe Photoshop: photo editing, digital composition
- Adobe Illustrator: logos and vector design
- Canva: accessible design tools for social media and web
- Introduction to UI/UX principles and digital workflows
Module 3: Practical Projects
- Real-world briefs from local businesses or NGOs
- Team collaboration on campaigns and branding materials
- Feedback from mentors and industry professionals
Module 4: Portfolio and Personal Brand
- Creating a professional portfolio (online and print)
- Documenting and presenting work
- Building a digital presence (LinkedIn, Behance, Instagram)
Module 5: Freelancing and Career Readiness
- Setting up a design business or freelance practice
- Finding clients and projects (Fiverr, Upwork, local networks)
- Job interview preparation and CV writing
- Introduction to internships and incubators
7. Support Services for Youth Participants
7.1 Access and Resources
- Free access to computers and design software
- Internet and data vouchers for remote learning
- Learning kits and printed resources
7.2 Mentorship and Coaching
- Weekly 1-on-1 or small group mentoring sessions
- Guest speakers from design firms and marketing agencies
- Portfolio reviews and soft skills coaching
7.3 Psychosocial and Peer Support
- Mental wellness check-ins
- Team-building and collaborative learning
- Conflict resolution and leadership workshops
8. Certification and Recognition
Upon successful completion, participants will receive:
- SayPro–Accenture Certificate of Completion
- Digital portfolio to showcase to employers and clients
- Letter of recommendation or reference
- Opportunity to participate in SayPro’s Youth Creatives Showcase
9. Outcomes and Impact
9.1 Short-Term Outcomes
- 50 youth trained in industry-relevant graphic design skills
- Completion of individual digital portfolios
- Increase in digital literacy, confidence, and creative output
9.2 Medium-Term Outcomes
- At least 30–40 participants engaged in income-generating activities (freelancing, internships, small businesses) within 6 months
- Strengthened youth networks in creative industries
- Increased demand for youth-designed branding and marketing materials
9.3 Long-Term Impact
- Establishment of a SayPro Youth Design Network
- National expansion to train 1,000+ youth annually
- Support for youth-led design cooperatives and businesses
- Contribution to SDGs: Quality Education, Decent Work, Reduced Inequality, Innovation
10. Testimonials and Case Studies (Expected)
“This program gave me a skill I never thought I’d have. I now run my own small social media design business and help local vendors grow.”
– Lungile, 23, Soweto
“I always loved drawing, but I didn’t know you could turn it into a career. Now I’m doing freelance design while studying part-time.”
– Thabang, 20, Gqeberha
“The mentorship helped me realize my worth. I feel empowered to apply for jobs in the creative industry.”
– Ayanda, 25, Durban
11. Opportunities for Collaboration
SayPro and Accenture invite collaboration from:
- Creative agencies: offer internships, mentorship, client briefs
- Corporates and funders: support scaling and equipment provision
- Municipalities and government departments: integrate training into youth employment strategies
- Technology providers: donate design tools and platforms
- Universities and incubators: bridge into higher learning and innovation hubs
12. Sustainability and Expansion Plans
12.1 Post-Program Alumni Engagement
- Access to SayPro’s online learning hub
- Career counseling and job placement support
- Invitations to design bootcamps, hackathons, and client challenges
12.2 Scaling Strategy
- Replication of program in 20 more communities over two years
- Train-the-trainer model for youth to lead future cohorts
- Mobile design labs to reach youth in underconnected areas
13. Conclusion
The SayPro–Accenture Graphic Design Training Program represents more than a course—it’s a movement to empower South Africa’s youth with 21st-century skills, creative tools, and career confidence. Through digital creativity, youth are not only learning how to design—they are learning how to define their futures.
When youth are empowered, society is transformed.
With training, mentorship, and opportunity, young creatives can shape the South Africa they imagine.
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