Empowering Innovation that Transforms a Community
In Buffalo City, South Africa
November 21st, 2022 | One Collective
When a problem builds up for generations, it can feel impossible to find lasting, sustainable solutions. How do you avoid settling for short-term fixes to long-term problems? How can you go deeper and disrupt those harmful cycles, to see a community truly transformed long-term through the ways of Jesus?
In Buffalo City, South Africa, a Catalyst - Scott - has been a key leader exploring how long-term change can take place in his community - and because of your support, he is implementing innovative solutions to employ young adults and teach them valuable skills for their future.
“Finding employment in South Africa has been difficult for over a generation. This remains one of the main problems the country faces today. Especially in impoverished communities, single mother households are the norm, putting youth at a disadvantage. Because it’s so hard to find a job, young adults get disillusioned and angry and it leads to all kinds of drug abuse, destructive activity, and crime.”
Scott Worley
Buffalo City, South Africa
“One of the ways we’re working to change this is through piloting an entrepreneurial training program for young adults. Our ultimate vision is to roll this out specifically for youth in impoverished communities, and change this cycle. It’s a long-term solution that approaches the massive problem of unemployment by empowering mindsets to be changed and think outside the box.
What excites me the most is that this isn’t just about providing opportunities for young adults to create work for themselves or for others in the community - it also creates space to ask the important question of ‘How can I innovatively use my passion and purpose in life to make a living and bless my community?’
We’re not doing what we do just to have good programs. We want to empower mindsets to be changed and think outside the box. This is an opportunity to invite as many people to the table as we can who have traditionally been divided - government, private enterprises, and individuals. There’s such diversity in South Africa, and great potential for this generation to create an integrated South Africa. These teenagers can lead the way - and your support is what empowers this to take place, through innovation and through the ways of Jesus.”
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