Introduction
Overview of the Initiative
In a transformative step toward addressing digital inequality and youth unemployment, SayPro (SayPro International) has partnered with Accenture South Africa to deliver a specialized Graphic Design Training Program to 50 young individuals from Gauteng. This forward-thinking initiative is designed to provide underprivileged and unemployed youth with the tools, knowledge, and professional exposure needed to thrive in South Africa’s growing digital and creative industries.
With digital transformation reshaping how businesses operate and communicate, graphic design has emerged as a vital skill in the 21st-century economy. This training is not only about learning software but also about unleashing creativity, fostering entrepreneurship, and building sustainable livelihoods.
About the Partners
SayPro (SayPro International)
SayPro is an award-winning social enterprise and development organization based in South Africa. Its mission is to empower individuals, particularly youth, through education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. With a focus on community-based impact and scalable solutions, SayPro works with local and international partners to deliver programs that change lives.
Key focus areas include:
- Vocational training and employability
- Entrepreneurship development
- Civic leadership
- Digital innovation and inclusion
SayPro operates extensively across Gauteng with community hubs in Johannesburg, Soweto, Tembisa, and Pretoria.
Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global leader in professional services and digital transformation. Through its corporate citizenship platform, Skills to Succeed, Accenture is committed to equipping individuals with skills that open doors to employment and entrepreneurship.
In South Africa, Accenture supports multiple initiatives aimed at:
- Digital literacy
- Youth development
- Gender empowerment in tech
- Economic inclusion
This partnership with SayPro is part of Accenture’s broader commitment to supporting South Africa’s National Development Plan by reducing unemployment and increasing digital skills among youth.
Project Context and Rationale
Youth Unemployment in Gauteng
Gauteng is South Africa’s economic engine, yet the province faces an urgent challenge: youth unemployment. According to Statistics South Africa, youth unemployment in Gauteng stands at over 60% for individuals aged 15–34. Many young people are eager to learn, grow, and contribute but lack access to formal education, digital tools, and employment pathways.
The Role of Graphic Design in the Digital Economy
Graphic design is a gateway to a wide array of careers and industries including:
- Advertising and marketing
- Media and publishing
- Web development and UI/UX
- Content creation and social media management
- Animation and motion graphics
Design is not only a technical skill but also a language of communication. In an era dominated by visuals, empowering youth with design skills helps them become storytellers, brand builders, and agents of change.
Program Structure and Implementation
Program Objectives
The Graphic Design Training Program is designed to:
- Train 50 unemployed or under-skilled youth from Gauteng in industry-standard graphic design tools and techniques
- Provide learners with hands-on experience through real-world projects
- Prepare graduates for employment, freelancing, or entrepreneurship in the creative economy
- Foster a network of creative professionals and mentors in Gauteng
Program Duration and Delivery Format
- Length: 12 weeks
- Mode: Hybrid (online classes with optional in-person workshops)
- Location: SayPro community centers in Johannesburg and Pretoria
- Schedule: 3 classes per week, supplemented by independent assignments and mentor sessions
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum has been co-developed by SayPro and Accenture’s Learning and Development experts, ensuring alignment with industry standards and job-market relevance.
Module 1: Introduction to Graphic Design
- Design principles: alignment, balance, contrast, hierarchy
- Typography and color theory
- Visual storytelling fundamentals
Module 2: Design Tools and Software
- Adobe Photoshop for raster graphics and photo editing
- Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and logo design
- Canva for quick content generation and templates
Module 3: Branding and Marketing
- Building brand identity
- Designing for social media
- Creating marketing assets (banners, brochures, flyers)
Module 4: Digital Portfolio and Client Work
- Compiling a professional design portfolio
- Project-based learning (logo creation, campaign design)
- Working with mock clients and receiving feedback
Module 5: Career Development and Freelancing
- Building a freelance profile (Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn)
- Pricing strategies and negotiation
- Business registration and invoicing basics
Beneficiary Profile and Recruitment
Target Participants
- Age: 18 to 35
- Residency: Based in Gauteng (preferably in underserved areas such as Soweto, Tembisa, Alexandra, or Mamelodi)
- Background: Unemployed youth, school leavers, informal entrepreneurs, or graduates seeking work
- Entry Criteria: Basic computer literacy and a strong interest in design or digital media
Outreach and Selection Process
- Community outreach via local NGOs, youth centers, and churches
- Online application and motivational video submission
- Interview and selection by SayPro training coordinators
Support Services
Digital Access Support
To ensure equitable access:
- Data packages will be provided to all learners
- Access to SayPro’s computer labs in Johannesburg and Pretoria
- Laptops for top-performing learners on a needs basis
Mentorship Program
Each participant will receive guidance from a mentor (design professional from Accenture or SayPro alumni) who will provide:
- Weekly check-ins
- Feedback on assignments and portfolios
- Career and job search coaching
Expected Outcomes and Impact
Short-Term Outcomes
- 50 participants trained and certified in graphic design
- Each learner develops a complete design portfolio
- Enhanced self-confidence, creativity, and digital skills
Medium-Term Outcomes
- At least 30 graduates gain internships, freelance gigs, or entry-level jobs within six months
- Emergence of youth-led design agencies or freelancer networks in Gauteng
- Increased income-generation capacity for participants
Long-Term Impact
- Contribution to Gauteng’s digital economy through skilled creative professionals
- Strengthened local ecosystems for youth employment and innovation
- Creation of a replicable model for similar programs in other provinces
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Certification
Evaluation Tools
- Pre- and post-assessments of digital and design skills
- Portfolio reviews and presentation evaluations
- Learner feedback and mentor reports
Certification
Graduates will receive:
- A joint SayPro–Accenture Certificate of Completion
- A Digital Portfolio hosted online (optional)
- A Reference Letter for work or academic applications
Sustainability and Future Expansion
SayPro and Accenture aim to expand the program based on the results of the Gauteng pilot. Future plans include:
- Scaling to 200+ learners annually across all provinces
- Adding specialized courses (e.g., UX/UI design, animation, and motion graphics)
- Partnering with local creative agencies for internships and work placements
- Launching an online learning platform for design skills under the SayPro brand
Voices from the Program (Anticipated Testimonials)
“Before this program, I only used my phone to design flyers. Now I can use professional software, and I’ve already started working on real client projects.”
– Future Graduate, Soweto
“This training gave me hope and a new direction. I’ve never had a mentor before, and now I feel like I belong in a creative community.”
– Future Graduate, Tembisa
Conclusion
This innovative partnership between SayPro and Accenture represents more than just skills training—it symbolizes hope, empowerment, and inclusion. By equipping 50 youth from Gauteng with professional graphic design skills, this program unlocks opportunities, fosters entrepreneurship, and supports the broader goal of transforming South Africa’s economy from the ground up.
SayPro and Accenture invite additional partners, funders, and community leaders to join this movement and scale the impact of this life-changing initiative.
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