1. Executive Summary
In an impactful collaboration aimed at addressing digital skills gaps and fostering youth employability, SayPro (SayPro International) and Accenture South Africa have launched a Graphic Design Training Program targeting 50 young individuals in urban centers across South Africa. This initiative provides participants from inner-city neighborhoods with high-demand digital design skills, equipping them for careers in the growing creative economy.
Focusing on cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth, the program enables marginalized youth—particularly those in informal settlements and inner-city communities—to access technical education, mentorship, and career pathways in the digital and creative sectors.
2. Introduction and Context
2.1 The Urban Challenge
While South African cities offer infrastructure and economic opportunities, many young urban residents remain excluded from the benefits of digital transformation due to:
- High youth unemployment (over 50% in some metros)
- Inequitable access to quality training
- Under-resourced public education systems
- Social and economic marginalization in informal settlements and townships
Urban poverty and inequality have led to limited access to skills development for young people, particularly those living in inner-city areas like Hillbrow, Mitchells Plain, KwaMashu, Sunnyside, and Zwide.
2.2 The Opportunity of the Digital Creative Economy
Graphic design is at the heart of today’s visual communication. It plays a central role in:
- Branding and advertising
- Social media marketing
- Web and mobile interfaces (UI/UX)
- Creative entrepreneurship
With digital platforms reducing the need for physical office space, graphic design presents a low-barrier, high-potential career path—especially for urban youth seeking freelance or remote work.
3. About the Partners
3.1 SayPro (SayPro International)
SayPro is a youth-centered nonprofit and social enterprise committed to transforming lives through education, training, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. With a presence in all major South African metros, SayPro:
- Runs accredited training programs in digital and vocational skills
- Operates youth hubs and learning centers in low-income urban areas
- Builds digital skills pathways that lead to income-generating opportunities
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global leader in consulting and digital transformation. Through its Skills to Succeed initiative, Accenture supports skill-building programs that unlock human potential in underserved communities. Its work in South Africa focuses on:
- Supporting youth employment
- Bridging the digital skills gap
- Promoting inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship
4. Program Goals and Objectives
The SayPro–Accenture Urban Graphic Design Program is designed to:
- Train 50 unemployed or underemployed young people in graphic design
- Build digital and creative capacity in inner-city neighborhoods
- Support learners in developing professional portfolios
- Connect graduates to job opportunities, freelance work, and internships
- Promote youth-driven entrepreneurship in the creative industry
5. Geographic Focus Areas
The program will take place in five major urban centers:
- Johannesburg: Hillbrow, Yeoville, and Soweto
- Cape Town: Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, and Salt River
- Durban: KwaMashu, Umlazi, and CBD
- Pretoria: Sunnyside, Mamelodi, and Atteridgeville
- Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha): Zwide, New Brighton, and Central
6. Program Design and Delivery
6.1 Format and Duration
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Delivery Mode: Blended learning (in-person + online components)
- Sessions: 3 weekly sessions + 1 mentorship meeting
- Total Hours: 120 hours of guided instruction and project work
6.2 Learning Venues
Classes will be held at SayPro community centers, co-working hubs, and local partner facilities. All locations will be equipped with:
- Computers and internet access
- Licensed design software
- Stationery and learning resources
- Multimedia projectors and creative spaces
7. Curriculum Overview
Module 1: Foundations of Graphic Design
- Visual communication principles
- Color theory, composition, and typography
- Branding and storytelling through design
Module 2: Digital Design Tools
- Adobe Photoshop: Editing, retouching, composites
- Adobe Illustrator: Logo and vector design
- Canva: Accessible tools for quick content generation
- Exposure to Figma or Inkscape as open-source alternatives
Module 3: Real-World Application
- Designing logos, posters, flyers, and brochures
- Social media content for local brands or campaigns
- Peer feedback and live critiques
Module 4: Portfolio Development
- Creating a professional online portfolio (e.g., Behance, Wix)
- Final capstone project (branding for a real or mock client)
- Presentation skills and digital storytelling
Module 5: Career Pathways and Entrepreneurship
- Job search and interview preparation
- Setting up as a freelancer (platforms, pricing, contracts)
- Building a personal brand and client network
- Introduction to creative startups and self-publishing
8. Participant Selection and Criteria
8.1 Eligibility
- Age: 18–35 years
- Residing in low-income or marginalized urban communities
- Basic computer literacy (preferred but not required)
- Demonstrated interest in creativity or digital media
8.2 Recruitment Process
- Community outreach via NGOs, youth centers, and radio stations
- Online and walk-in applications
- Short interviews and optional design aptitude assessments
- 10 participants selected per city
9. Learner Support
9.1 Technical and Academic Support
- Access to computers, design software, and internet
- Printed training manuals and video tutorials
- On-site facilitators and teaching assistants
9.2 Mentorship Program
- Weekly mentorship from creative industry professionals
- Portfolio reviews and project feedback
- Networking sessions with local design firms
9.3 Stipends and Incentives
- Transport stipends for attending in-person sessions
- Prizes for best portfolios or innovative projects
- Showcasing top work at SayPro’s City Creatives Expo
10. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Certification
10.1 Evaluation Framework
- Baseline and final assessments
- Weekly assignments and practical tests
- Mentor and facilitator reports
- Participant reflections and feedback
10.2 Certification
Upon successful completion, learners receive:
- SayPro & Accenture Certificate of Completion
- Digital portfolio hosted online
- Reference letter for job or internship applications
11. Impact Goals
Short-Term Outcomes
- 50 young people trained in industry-standard graphic design skills
- Increased digital confidence and employability
- 50 new portfolios accessible to potential employers or clients
Medium-Term Outcomes
- At least 60% of participants earning income through jobs or freelancing
- New design services offered in inner-city communities
- Collaboration with local businesses and NGOs on branding work
Long-Term Outcomes
- Establishment of Urban Creative Labs in each city
- Formation of a national SayPro Creative Alumni Network
- Contribution to the growth of a diverse, inclusive creative industry in South Africa
12. Testimonials (Anticipated)
“I never imagined I could work with design software. Now I’m doing posters for events in my community and freelancing on the side.”
– Participant, Hillbrow (Johannesburg)
“This program has opened doors I didn’t know existed. I have skills, a portfolio, and the confidence to build a career in design.”
– Graduate, Mitchells Plain (Cape Town)
“Thanks to SayPro and Accenture, I’ve started my own small design business right here in Durban.”
– Participant, KwaMashu (Durban)
13. Strategic Importance of the Partnership
13.1 SayPro’s Contribution
- Program implementation, facilitation, and learner support
- Community outreach and post-program engagement
- Access to SayPro’s national learning and innovation network
13.2 Accenture’s Contribution
- Funding and strategic oversight
- Mentorship and curriculum design input
- Industry connections and visibility opportunities for graduates
14. Call for Collaboration
SayPro and Accenture invite:
- Creative agencies to offer mentorship, internships, or client briefs
- Tech companies to donate equipment or software licenses
- Funders to support scaling to more cities
- Municipal governments to help embed design into local economic strategies
15. Conclusion
The SayPro–Accenture Urban Graphic Design Program is a bold, inclusive step toward making the creative economy more accessible to all young people—regardless of where they come from. By targeting inner-city and marginalized communities, the initiative not only builds technical skills, but also confidence, opportunity, and creative expression.
In every city, there is talent waiting to be seen. With the right training, tools, and mentorship, South Africa’s urban youth can become the next generation of designers, storytellers, and digital entrepreneurs.
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