Ahead of World Youth Skills Day on July 15, Theirworld and JA Africa announce a partnership to equip girls in Zambia and Zimbabwe to become entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Giving girls the practical skills and mindset to succeed as entrepreneurs and leaders can transform their lives and their communities. That’s why Theirworld is delighted to be working with JA Africa to empower 500 schoolgirls aged 13 to 19 in Zimbabwe and Zambia through entrepreneurship education.
In the JA Rise Up Girls project, students will learn how businesses work and about critical thinking, problem-solving, financial literacy and effective communication. Coached by professionals who volunteer their time, the girls will work in teams to come up with their own business ideas that fill a gap in the market or address a community need. They will then design, produce, test and market their own products and services.
“I am incredibly excited about this partnership with Theirworld,” said Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa. “Together, we will empower African girls, unlocking their potential as future entrepreneurs and leaders. By equipping them with the necessary skills and mindset, we are building a solid foundation for their success and contribution to society.”
The new partnership reflects Theirworld and JA Africa’s shared vision of creating opportunities for young people in Africa and addressing the gender divide by investing in girls’ futures. JA Rise Up Girls will leverage the existing JA Company Program, which introduces economic education to high school students by allowing them to organize and operate their own business.
After the 16-week program, the student teams will be invited to compete at the Company of the Year competition nationally, where they can pitch their business ideas to real entrepreneurs and business professionals. National winners qualify to represent their countries at JA Africa’s Regional Company of the Year competition.
Theirworld President Justin van Fleet said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with JA Africa to empower girls in Africa to become the business leaders of the future. By equipping girls with vital business skills, as well as cultivating the professional skills needed in the workplace, we are giving girls the opportunity to thrive and become change-makers in their communities.”