Global Reach: Grantee Partners

Aspire2Gro

Context:

Mfuleni is a township at the outer edge of greater Cape Town with a population of just over 50 000 people (last census data of 2011). It is estimated that informal settlements within Mfuleni have increased dramatically during the Covid pandemic. 95% of the people identify as being Xhosa. 50% of households have an average monthly income of $106. The youth population (15-35) is 46%, and 77% of these young people are in the NEETS category (Not in Education, Employment, Training or Skills Development). Young women are particularly vulnerable – 40% have not completed high school or any further education and training. 

Organization:

Aspire2Gro provide young South Africans in the NEETS category (Not in Education, Employment, Training or Skills Development) and with average household incomes of less than $100 per month, with a pathway to economic self-sustainability. Their model supports young people who have dropped out of the formal schoolings system without completing it; typically young people with very basic literacy and numeracy, unresolved trauma, and from the most marginalised families in already resource-poor communities. These young people have severely limited job prospects. The Aspire2Grow model is an 18-month process that includes personal development and emotional wellbeing; basic literacy, numeracy and core life competencies; immediate access to work that generates a basic income; and intensive work readiness training and mentorship, business coaching, and internships. 

Current Grant:

EMpower's first grant to Aspire2Gro will improve emotional wellness and job readiness for 20 young women (aged 18-24; who have dropped out of school and have an average monthly household income of less than $100) through an 18-month intensive training and mentorship programme. 

Primary Location: Cape Town

Website: https://www.aspireyouth.co.za/

Funded Since: 2022