Di Smith (left) and Derryn Campbell (right) enjoy a moment with storyteller Gina Mhlophe.

This Trust was established by a passionate individual, Gcina Mhlophe, who is a well known personality in South Africa and abroad. The Trust aims to become the leader in the field of education and social upliftment. This will be primarily achieved through the use of the written word, in terms of distributing books to previously disadvantaged individuals and creating libraries in schools that have until now not been in a position to have a dedicated library.

The work of the Trust will involve networking and uplifting the general population to embrace literature as a form of, not only education, but also social upliftment. The Trust also aims to share the celebration of the ancient art of Storytelling with all people in South Africa and abroad, and this platform will ensure that the stories of old will be carried through generations into perpetuity. The Trustees, who are like minded in their resolve, will in all instances comply with the Trust Deed whilst furthering the objectives of the Trust. This very valued Trust has its core focuses on the previously disadvantaged communities throughout the length and breadth of Southern Africa and with donor funding, would attempt to continue to deliver this invaluable service. This would include, but is not limited to, the distribution of books and the creation of libraries in schools, but also through presentations and festivals highlighting the urgent, country wide necessity for literacy.

Find out more on Awesome SA.

Podcast, Preparation and Responsibility or Play, Pause, Rewind.
PPR Education is Podcast based Education which aims to improve education from the top down in eight of the poorest performing underprivileged schools in the Hammarsdale/Inchanga area of KwaZulu-Natal.

PPR Education helps each teacher to create her own podcast and make it available as a DVD to students at the start of the month – for the syllabus being taught that month. Students get to watch the DVD on a projector during the class and at home on their TV before and after the class. Podcasts are not more than 10 to 15 minutes long and deal with one concept at a time.

This enables easy learning through the Podcast which has been made by the teacher and makes it credible for her students. Podcast making is also a major self-development tool for educators. PPR Education makes learning fun and innovative and allows students to work at their own pace. PPR Education is about reigniting the greatness that lies within every teacher and unleashing it to make dramatic improvements in the levels of education and enthusiasm in schools and society. PPR Education could revolutionise the method of learning in our schools.

You can find out more on their website – www.ppreducation.com.

Current national discourse clearly indicates that rural development interventions in South Africa are not working with an estimated 95% of rural development projects considered a failure.

In this light the Siyaziphathela Rural Village and Farm Development aims to provide a workable and replicable solution to rural development.

It is believed that a fundamental key to this solution is to place the needs, interests and aspirations of the community at the forefront of the development – where the community, assisted by an experienced and professional support team, is empowered to take the initiative in conceptualising, designing, implementing and ultimately determining their own future.

It is believed that only once individuals and communities are thus empowered, will the capital and resources spent on infrastructure development realise its potential.

Find out more on Awesome SA.

Sustaining the Wild Coast’s (SWC) focus is on traditional rural communities living along Pondoland’s Wild Coast, in the northern coastal regions of the former Transkei. We work with people resident in the area to enhance local leadership ability, skills, knowledge and entrepreneurial capacity so that local communities may have a healthy capability to:-

• make informed decisions about the impacts of developments that affect their future and the future of this unique region.
• become active participants in creating their own future and in improving their livelihoods prospects.
• become aware of the value of maintaining their unique cultural and ecological heritage.

SWC focuses on finding sustainable development solutions that local people feel will improve their livelihood prospects, while respecting local cultural traditions and maintaining the wealth of natural biodiversity and unique ‘sense of place’ that the Wild Coast is re-known for.

Find out more on Awesome SA.

The board of Zazida with Di Smith of Awesome SA (second left).

It amazes me how if one puts out a good thought, it so often materialises in ways often unexpected. One of our goals with Awesome SA was to be able to assist organisations that were helping educate our people in South Africa. Through our Awesome SA Foundation we have managed to assist Zazida Institute of Entrepreneurship.

Zazida is an organisation that is dedicated solely to the education and development of entrepreneurs in South Africa. Currently Zazida targets solely young unemployed youth however will also accept in 2012 young early-stage start-up entrepreneurs requiring further education, development and assistance.

The current level of failure of start-ups in South Africa is extremely high. The Zazida Enterprise Development (ZED) model significantly enhances the viability and probability of sustainability of these young start-ups. The ZED concept includes one year of education and practical training in entrepreneurship (ZEET), followed by a period of hand-holding (incubation). ZEET stands for the Zazida Entrepreneur Education and Training. By working with and adding value to early stage start-ups, Zazida indirectly assists unemployed youth to find a job in these new, more sustainable, businesses.

Find out more on Awesome SA.