Introduction
Overview
SayPro (SayPro International) has officially launched a transformative partnership with Accenture South Africa to provide intensive training in Graphic Design to 50 young South Africans. This strategic collaboration is aimed at equipping participants—primarily unemployed youth and under-resourced creatives—with market-relevant digital skills that will enable them to pursue careers in the growing creative economy.
The program highlights a mutual commitment to social innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable youth employment in South Africa.
Organizational Backgrounds
About SayPro
SayPro (SayPro International) is a dynamic non-profit organization and social enterprise with a pan-African reach. Founded on the principle of empowering youth and marginalized communities through education, training, and entrepreneurship, SayPro works across thematic areas including:
- Skills development and vocational training
- Civic education and leadership
- Employment readiness and entrepreneurship
- Innovation and digital inclusion
SayPro has a strong presence in South Africa, with active projects across provinces such as Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
About Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global leader in consulting, digital transformation, and technology services. With operations in more than 120 countries, Accenture supports companies and communities in reimagining the future of work.
In South Africa, Accenture is a key player in driving digital skills development and transformation in both the public and private sectors. Through its Corporate Citizenship programs and initiatives like Skills to Succeed, Accenture aims to uplift communities by supporting inclusive digital learning and workforce readiness.
Rationale for the Partnership
Tackling Youth Unemployment
South Africa faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates globally. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), over 60% of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are not employed or in any form of education or training. The creative industry—especially digital design—is a burgeoning sector with the potential to absorb talent and drive economic innovation.
Growing Demand for Creative and Digital Skills
Graphic design is an essential competency in today’s digitally driven economy. From social media content and brand development to UI/UX and digital storytelling, skilled designers are in high demand across industries. However, many talented South Africans lack the formal training or tools to break into this field.
By joining forces, SayPro and Accenture are addressing both the skills gap and access barrier, creating a pipeline of future-ready digital creatives.
Program Design and Structure
Training Objectives
The main goals of the program are to:
- Equip 50 South African youth with comprehensive graphic design skills
- Provide exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques
- Facilitate pathways to employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship
- Build a community of creatives and mentors to support long-term growth
Target Audience
This initiative is specifically designed for:
- Unemployed or underemployed youth aged 18–35
- Residents of peri-urban and township communities
- Individuals with a passion for art, storytelling, or digital media
- Candidates with limited access to formal design education
Provincial Reach
While the program is national in vision, the initial cohort will focus on participants from:
- Gauteng (Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria)
- Western Cape (Cape Town, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha)
- KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, Umlazi, Pietermaritzburg)
- Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth, Mthatha)
Curriculum Outline
The program spans 12 weeks and follows a hybrid model—offering a blend of virtual and in-person learning (where possible). Key learning modules include:
Module 1: Foundations of Graphic Design
- Elements and principles of design
- Visual hierarchy and composition
- Color theory and typography
Module 2: Software Training
- Adobe Photoshop: image editing, layout design
- Adobe Illustrator: vector graphics and logo creation
- Canva: rapid content development for social media
Module 3: Branding and Identity
- Understanding brand strategy
- Designing logos and visual identity systems
- Moodboards and style guides
Module 4: Digital Storytelling and Content Creation
- Storyboarding
- Social media design templates
- Infographics and promotional visuals
Module 5: Career Readiness and Freelancing
- Creating a digital portfolio
- Client communication and project management
- Pricing, contracts, and invoicing basics
- Using platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Behance
Support Mechanisms
Technology and Internet Access
SayPro and Accenture are providing:
- Free data packages for online learning
- Access to SayPro’s learning centers and computer labs
- Laptops for top-performing learners (based on need and merit)
Mentorship and Coaching
Each participant will be paired with a professional mentor from Accenture or SayPro’s design alumni network. Mentors will support learners by:
- Providing one-on-one coaching
- Reviewing portfolio pieces
- Sharing insights on industry trends and professional growth
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Certification
SayPro’s M&E (Monitoring & Evaluation) team will closely track progress using:
- Weekly learner check-ins
- Online assessments and project submissions
- End-of-program final portfolio review
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants will receive:
- A Certificate of Completion jointly issued by SayPro and Accenture
- A Digital Portfolio showcasing original work
- A Letter of Reference for employment or freelance purposes
Expected Outcomes
Short-Term Results
- 50 learners complete training and build professional portfolios
- Improved design, communication, and digital literacy skills
- Connections made with peers, mentors, and potential employers
Medium-Term Outcomes
- At least 60% of graduates engaged in freelance work, internships, or formal employment within six months
- Increased income-earning opportunities through design services
- Creation of small design collectives or community-led agencies
Long-Term Vision
- Sustainable growth of the creative economy in underserved regions
- Strengthened employment readiness among youth
- Expansion of the program to other creative fields like animation, video editing, and UI/UX design
Stories of Impact (Anticipated)
“Growing up in Khayelitsha, I never imagined that I could earn a living doing what I love—drawing and designing. This program gave me the skills and belief to chase my dreams.”
– Future Participant, Western Cape
“The training not only taught me design software but also how to manage real-world client projects. I now have a portfolio and confidence to pursue freelance gigs.”
– Future Participant, Gauteng
Partnership Synergy
Accenture’s Role
- Curriculum co-development and quality assurance
- Facilitating guest lectures and skills workshops
- Providing access to volunteer mentors and career advisors
- Supporting resource provision, including software and data
SayPro’s Role
- Recruitment and community engagement
- Program management and facilitation
- Learning platform infrastructure
- Monitoring, reporting, and learner support
Sustainability and Scale-Up Strategy
SayPro and Accenture view this initiative as a pilot phase, with ambitions to scale the program nationally and regionally. Key next steps include:
- Partnering with local TVET colleges and design schools
- Securing additional funding and sponsorships for hardware support
- Offering advanced design courses and industry placements
- Creating an online creative talent marketplace powered by SayPro
Conclusion
The SayPro-Accenture Graphic Design Training Initiative is a strategic response to South Africa’s urgent youth unemployment crisis and the evolving demands of the digital creative economy. By investing in the potential of 50 young South Africans, this program will not only transform individual lives but also contribute to community development and national growth.
As SayPro and Accenture continue to build bridges between education and opportunity, this partnership stands as a model of how collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven action can create lasting impact.
Leave a Reply