ABOUT THE PROJECT
In today’s fast-paced business world, entrepreneurship is becoming an increasingly popular career path for young people. However, starting and managing a successful business is no easy feat. Youth Entrepreneurs require a range of skills, knowledge, and tools to make their ideas a reality. They also require a space that allows them to take their ideas to the next level and to acquire the resources and insights to enable them to engage in prototyping activities. Design Thinking Methodology can help young entrepreneurs develop and adapt their business ideas by providing a structured and creative approach to problem-solving. Therefore the I-CAN Centre as a public access facility and digital skills training facility has embarked on empowering youth in local communities with design thinking, prototype development and social entrepreneurship skills.
OUR MISSION
The mission is to empower youth with design thinking, prototype development and social entrepreneurship skills in order to become social shareholders in solving complex challenges in their communities and to provide them assistance building a business that serves as a change in their community.
Design Thinking Methodology for Youth Entrepreneurs
How Do We Do It?
We as Genesis CITI / I-CAN Centre has developed a unique approach to empower youth to ensure that bespoke training is aligned to design thinking phases objectives. Youth Entrepreneurs needs direct engagements to create light bulb moments, they need to be in a creative space that is conducive to discuss innovative ideas, and using technology as a communication medium through online discussions.
Design Thinking & Social Entrepreneurship Project
Genesis CITI / I-CAN Centre in partnership with Western Cape Government - Department of Economic Development and Tourism has dually compiled the Design Thinking Training Programme to creatively develop youth for the future. In illustrating the work we have done, we will have 3 key events in showcasing the community solutions the youth has worked on.
What Youth Entrepreneurs Say About The Design Thinking Project
The I-CAN Youth Entrepreneurship Program has provided an invaluable experience that has impacted me profoundly. The collaborative nature of the program ensured that we leveraged our collective strengths and diverse perspectives to create meaningful change that will benefit society for a lifetime. Thank you, I-CAN Centre, for this transformative experience!.
The Design Thinking Programme brought not only a new way of thinking but it brought new opportunity and improved skills. I look at the world differently today! Personally, this programme changed my life! With my skills and a design thinking mindset, I will achieve greatness as I have a tool that will push me forward towards my future.
Through the Design Thinking Programme I have had access to tools that I can use throughout my life. I now know how to solve complex issues using a step by step procedure and keeping the user as my core interest. I-CAN Centre, along with this programme, has made me realize I can use my skills to not only help people but create an income stream for myself. This programme exceeded my expectations and I will eternally grateful.
