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Project location:
Vrygrond, Western Cape, South Africa
Project duration:
2025-2028
Project budget:
150.000 €
Focus areas:
Further education
SOZO
Chemondlay Speelman is a baker; Hazel Samantha Hangaika sells purified water; Waseema Davids is a masseuse and hairdresser. The three are young entrepreneurs who previously received their training from the SOZO Foundation. In the picture, they are participating in a training session by a guest lecturer from the Incubation Hub on the topic of small business loans.

An initiative for vocational training
and employment for young people in Vrygrond.

The Sozo Foundation Trust (SOZO), established in 2011 in Vrygrond, Cape Town, began as a small tutoring project and has grown into a holistic program for education and employment. At SOZO, young people are empowered to learn, teach, and mentor others, creating a self-sustaining community ecosystem. Through this approach, the NGO promotes long-term change, mutual accountability, and improved economic stability for entire communities.

Over 60% of young people in South Africa are unemployed. Lack of school qualifications, unequal educational opportunities and social exclusion often lead to poverty and lack of prospects. Government programs have limited impact - local, practical solutions are needed. This is precisely where the Sozo Foundation Trust's "Fuel the Future" comes in: through a model that closely links training with real job opportunities, creating sustainable opportunities.

The Fuel the Future training center combines qualification, employment and entrepreneurship. The heart of the project is the Fuel the Future Coffee House, a café that is both a learning space and a workplace. Here, young people acquire knowledge in gastronomy, customer service, operational processes and event organization - directly in practice.
The offer is supplemented by job shadowing, mentoring and training courses that lead to permanent employment, for example as baristas, bakers or program coordinators.
In addition, an entrepreneur marketplace gives young founders access to sales, equipment rental and networks. Events and subscription services secure the financial basis of the program.
The Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation supports the project with funds for operating costs, personnel and training positions - and thus contributes to the creation of sustainable employment.

Anton Cuyler
Mail

Website: https://sozo.org.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesozofoundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSozoFoundation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSozoFoundation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesozofoundation/

Impressions from the project.

  • Esther Ramanantsialonina and Sidikat Olajuwon are project participants of the South African organisation SOZO. In the picture, the entrepreneurs are working on the 'Dream Wall', an inspiring and interactive space where they can visually represent their short-term goals.
  • Evelyn gives a presentation at the Genesis Incubation Hub of SOZO in South Africa.
  • Participants of the Genesis Incubation Hub of SOZO in South Africa.
  • Antario Beukes, Julia Koeberg and Noemia Nemy are project participants of the organisation SOZO in Cape Town, South Africa. In the Tech Zone, the young entrepreneurs are primarily involved in activities that promote the development and visibility of their company.
  • Zantine from SOZO in South Africa.
  • Chemondlay Speelman is a baker; Hazel Samantha Hangaika sells purified water; Waseema Davids is a masseuse and hairdresser. The three are young entrepreneurs who previously received their training from the SOZO Foundation. In the picture, they are participating in a training session by a guest lecturer from the Incubation Hub on the topic of small business loans.