1. Executive Summary
In an innovative move to empower young South Africans with future-ready digital skills, SayPro (SayPro International) has partnered with Accenture South Africa to implement a Graphic Design Training Program for 50 unemployed and under-skilled youth in Johannesburg. The initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide, nurture creative talent, and provide a gateway into the rapidly growing creative and digital economies.
Through this initiative, selected participants will receive world-class training in graphic design tools and techniques, mentorship from industry professionals, and support in building their digital portfolios and professional networks.
2. Background and Context
2.1 About SayPro
SayPro is a pan-African non-profit organization and social enterprise committed to empowering youth through education, training, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. With a strong operational base in Johannesburg, SayPro focuses on:
- Vocational skills development
- Employability and work-readiness programs
- Digital transformation and inclusion
- Youth empowerment and civic engagement
SayPro has trained and supported over 10,000 young people across South Africa through its blended learning approach and community-based centers.
2.2 About Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global professional services company with capabilities in digital, cloud, and security. In South Africa, Accenture plays a leading role in supporting inclusive economic growth through digital innovation, workforce transformation, and youth development.
Through its Skills to Succeed initiative, Accenture has committed to equipping over 3 million people globally with the skills to get a job or start a business. This partnership with SayPro is a key step in achieving that mission within the Johannesburg metropolitan area.
3. Rationale for the Program
3.1 Addressing Youth Unemployment in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, while being South Africa’s financial and commercial hub, is also home to high rates of youth unemployment, particularly in underserved areas such as Soweto, Alexandra, Orange Farm, and Diepsloot. Many young people are disconnected from education and the economy, despite having immense creative and entrepreneurial potential.
3.2 Digital Skills as a Catalyst for Economic Mobility
In today’s visually-driven digital world, graphic design is a critical skill used in marketing, branding, media, entertainment, and technology. However, access to training, tools, and mentorship in design remains limited for many young people in Johannesburg. This program aims to democratize access to creative industry opportunities and unlock economic empowerment through design.
4. Program Description
4.1 Goal and Objectives
The primary goal of the program is to train 50 unemployed youth in Johannesburg in graphic design, providing them with:
- Market-relevant digital design skills
- Exposure to design software and tools
- Mentorship from industry professionals
- Support in building portfolios and launching freelance careers
4.2 Program Duration and Structure
- Duration: 12 weeks (3 months)
- Format: Blended learning (online and face-to-face sessions)
- Location: SayPro Johannesburg Training Centre (Braamfontein) and partner community venues in Soweto and Alexandra
- Frequency: 3 sessions per week (theory + practical assignments + mentor feedback)
5. Curriculum and Learning Modules
The curriculum was collaboratively developed by SayPro and Accenture Learning & Development teams and is aligned with international graphic design standards.
5.1 Module Breakdown
Module 1: Introduction to Graphic Design
- Design principles: contrast, alignment, hierarchy, proximity
- Elements of design: typography, color, imagery
- Overview of the graphic design industry
Module 2: Mastering Design Tools
- Adobe Photoshop: image editing, photo manipulation, layout
- Adobe Illustrator: vector graphics, logos, illustrations
- Canva: creating quick, professional templates for social media and marketing
Module 3: Branding and Communication
- Understanding brand identity
- Designing brand collateral (logos, business cards, flyers)
- Creating social media visuals and digital ads
Module 4: Portfolio Building
- Assembling a digital portfolio
- Documenting and presenting project work
- Personal branding and online presence (LinkedIn, Behance)
Module 5: Freelancing and Career Readiness
- How to price your work and deal with clients
- Freelancing platforms (Fiverr, Upwork, 99designs)
- Basic business skills: invoicing, contracts, taxes
6. Participant Selection
6.1 Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18–35 years
- Residency: Must live in Johannesburg (with preference for Soweto, Alexandra, and inner-city areas)
- Unemployed or not in education or training
- Interest in art, design, media, or content creation
- Basic computer literacy
6.2 Recruitment Process
- Community outreach through NGOs, youth centers, and local media
- Online application form with motivation letter
- Interviews with shortlisted candidates
- Final selection and onboarding by SayPro training team
7. Support and Resources Provided
To ensure full participation and reduce barriers to access, the following support will be provided:
7.1 Digital Access
- Internet data vouchers for online components
- Access to SayPro’s computer labs in Braamfontein and Soweto
- Use of laptops and tablets during in-person training
7.2 Mentorship Program
- Each participant will be matched with a mentor (design professional from Accenture or SayPro’s alumni network)
- Mentors will provide guidance, feedback, and career coaching throughout the program
7.3 Learning Materials
- Access to digital toolkits, templates, tutorials
- Software licenses for Adobe Creative Suite (where applicable)
8. Certification and Recognition
Participants who complete the program will receive:
- A SayPro–Accenture Certificate of Completion
- A professional digital portfolio (hosted online)
- A letter of recommendation (for job and internship applications)
- Priority access to SayPro’s job placement and freelance opportunity database
9. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
SayPro’s M&E team will conduct ongoing assessments to measure:
- Skills development and knowledge gains
- Attendance and assignment completion rates
- Quality of portfolios
- Satisfaction of learners and mentors
An end-of-program impact report will be shared with stakeholders, including qualitative testimonials and quantitative employment outcomes.
10. Expected Outcomes and Impact
10.1 Short-Term Outcomes
- 50 young people trained and equipped with graphic design skills
- 50 complete professional portfolios
- Enhanced digital confidence and career readiness
10.2 Medium-Term Outcomes
- At least 60% of participants find employment, internships, or freelance contracts within 6 months
- Growth of local micro-enterprises and freelance designers
- Participants contribute to community development through design work (e.g., for NGOs and local businesses)
10.3 Long-Term Vision
- Establish a permanent creative hub at SayPro Johannesburg
- Expand program to include advanced design courses (e.g., UI/UX, motion graphics)
- Build a pan-African network of creative talent emerging from SayPro programs
11. Voices of the Community (Expected Testimonials)
“This program changed my life. I’ve always wanted to be a designer, but I didn’t have the resources or the training. Now I’m designing logos for real clients and earning money.”
– Future Graduate, Alexandra
“Being mentored by a professional from Accenture helped me understand how the industry works. I never thought I’d meet someone who really believes in my talent.”
– Future Graduate, Soweto
“SayPro gave me more than skills—it gave me a platform, confidence, and a sense of purpose.”
– Future Graduate, Johannesburg CBD
12. Partnerships and Opportunities for Collaboration
SayPro and Accenture invite additional partners to support the program through:
- Sponsorship of technology and software
- Guest speaking, internships, and job placements
- Expansion funding to serve more learners
13. Conclusion
The SayPro–Accenture Graphic Design Training Program in Johannesburg is more than a training intervention—it’s a launchpad for future entrepreneurs, designers, and innovators. By investing in human potential and digital creativity, this partnership paves the way for inclusive economic growth and community upliftment.
This is just the beginning. With the right support, Johannesburg can become a beacon of youth-led design innovation, powered by talent that was once overlooked but is now equipped to shine.
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