South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Atlehang Sechaba (Yes I Can) skills development program was established in March 2023 after a partnership with the Chaeli Campign based in Capetown. The pupose of this project is to upskill young persons with disabilities.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

We as the Atlehang Foundation have formed a partnership with special schools here in Soweto to upskill young persons with disabilities so that they can be able to make a living for themselves after school. we have workshops 3 times a month each school introducing different skills monthly to see who is good at what and then divide them into groups according to their strengths. This initiative has a profound impact on their lives, helping them to develop new skills or improve the ones they already good in, build confidence and reach their full potential, we also involve the students in decision making process and cater to their individuals interests and needs we are not only enriching their lives but also contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

By running these skills developments programs, we are trying to solve problems like: Unemployment and underemployment . young persons with disabilities often struggle to find employment or underemployed, leading to feelings of isolation and dependency. Limited access to education and training; Many young people with disabilities face barriers in accessing quality education and training, hindering their ability to develop skills and reach their full potential. Lack of inclusivity and accessibility. Dependence on care givers: Without skills and development, young people with disabilities may remain dependent on caregivers, rather than achieving independence and autonomy. By addressing these challenges , a skills development program can empoer young people with disabilities to overcome barriers, develop their full potential, and lead the fulfilling lives.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Advantages of running a skiils development program include: Personal growth and development : Participants develop important important life skills, such as problem solving, communication and time management. Increased opportunities for leadership and mentorship :Participants can become mentors or leaders, ins.piring others and creating a positive impact. Increased independence: Developing skills enables participants to become more self sufficient and confident this can come as a result of them telling their stories toinspre others to be as great, no condition can stop one from achiving their goals.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

My target beneficiaries of this project are: Young individuals with disabilities (Physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health) Their Families and care givers . Communities and societies that benefit from increased inclusion and diversity. Employers and businesses that gain access to a talented and diverse workforce. Education systems that become more inclusive and supportive. Health systems that see improved mental and pysical health outcomes. The broader society, as inclusion and empathy increase, and stigma and discrimination decrease. These beneficiaries collectively gain from the empowerment, skills and confidence development through the program

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-11-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Nhlanhla Ngwenya is junior draftsman aged 32 years old male with 4 years experience in the field with a diploma in civil engineering and is a civil technitian, specializes in civil and structural drafting. Reabetswe Leuta is a our secretary who has 1 year certificate as an office administrator and makes sure the office runs smoothly gets paper work is done in time and manages meetings effectively.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

i) Communication services (telecommunications, media, interactive services)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

3

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Good Health for persons with disabilities is characterized by: Access to quality healthcare: Recieving appropriate medical care, accomodations and support. Wellness and Prevention: Focusing on preventive measures, healthy havbits, and regular check ups. Management of chronic conditions: Effectvely managing disabilities and related health conditions. Incusive and accessible enviroments : having access tp phyisical and social enviroment that promote health and wellbeing. Participation in activities: engaging in meaningfull activities, hobbies, and interests. Emotional Wellbeing: Experiencing positive emotions, self-esteem, and a sence of purpose. Rescilience and adaptability: Coping with challenges and adapting to changes in health and circumstances.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

I strongly feel persons with disabilities also have a right to quality education and with running this skills development program this can contribute by; By building confidence; Empowering individuals to overcome learning barriers and develop a growth mindset. Improving accessibility: Providing accommodations and assistive technologies to ensure equal access to educational resources. Developing inclusive curricula: Integrating disability awareness and inclusive practices into educational content. Enhancing employability: Equipping individuals with skills and certifications to increase employment opportunities. Fostering independence. Encouraging self-advocacy and autonomy in learning and career development. Empowering advocacy: Educating individuals to advocate for their rights and needs in education and employment. Bridging skill gaps: Addressing specific skill deficits and learning challenges related to disabilities.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

A skills development program can contribute to decent work and economic growth by promoting entrepreneuship: Encouraging individuals to start their own businesses, creating jobs and stimulating local economies. Increasing employability: Enhancing skills and certifications to access better job opportunities. Contributing to GDP growth: As individuals with disabilities enter the workforce, they contribute to the economy, driving growth and development. Increasing economic independence: Enabling individuals to support themselves and their families, reducing poverty. Creating inclusive workplaces: Educating employers on accessibility and accomodations, fostering a supportive work environment. Access to mentorship: Pairing individuals with mentors who understand disability and employment challenges.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

A skills development program for persons with disabilities contributes to reduced inequalities by challenging sigma and stereotypes: Promoting positive narratives and inclusive attitudes. Increasing accessibility: Providing accommodations and assistive technologies for equal access to education and employment. Empowering self-advocacy: Educating individuals to advocate for their rights and needs. Building confidence and self-esteem: Encouraging indiduals to recognize their strengths and abilities. Creating role models and mentors: Showcasing successful individuals with disabilities as inspirations and mentors .Fostering disability-inclusive communities: Encouraging social integration and support networks.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Partnerships for the goal (SDG 17) can contribute to a skills development program for young persons with disabilities by collaborating with disability organizations: Partnering with organizations led by persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive program design. Goverment and private sector support: securing funding, resources, and expertise from government and private sector partners. Advocacy and policy support: Collaborating with partners to advocate for disability-inclusive policies and programs. Community engagement: Partnering with community organizations to engage with persons with disabilities and their families. Capacity building: Building capacity among program staff, partners and stakeholders to ensure inclusive program implementation. Access to technology and innovation: Partnering with tech companies to develop and provide assistive technologies.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

3

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are private companies offering training and development programs, local businesses offering on the job training or apprenticeships, NGO,s focusing on disability support, government programs or initiatives providing similar services and online learning platforms or courses accessible to persons with disabilities. what makes us different from our competitors is that we focus exclusively on skills development for persons with disabilities, we address physical, emotional and social aspects of participants lives and provide one on one support tailored to individual needs and goals. We also regularly assesing and improving program effectiveness

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

yes, im also running a florist in my community