The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe will host the Techno-girl Entrepreneurship workshop for hundred learners from ten Northern Cape schools at the Protea Hotel, The Big Hole in Kimberly from 12 to 14 April 2013. The workshop, which is part of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) Technology for Women in Business (TWIB), aimed at inspiring young girls to take advantage of study opportunities that exist in science and technology for the advancement of our economy.
“The Techno-girl Entrepreneurship programme is aimed at removing the stereotypes and biases that often prevent girl learners from taking science based subjects at school and pursuing careers in science and technology with focus on entrepreneurship. The dti believes that entrepreneurship is the best and critical intervention needed to nurture and grow the talents of many girls in becoming the successful businesswomen of tomorrow,” says Thabethe.
The schools have been tasked with the responsibility of supporting these girls in developing a viable business plan which they will present on the 13 April 2013 in front of a panel of judges. The learners’ entrepreneurial ideas will be measured in terms of credibility, feasibility, practicability, originality and sustainability.
The business ideas presented should respond to pertinent issues of technology, innovation etc. They will also have to highlight issues of social responsibility, emphasising on recycling thereby demonstrating that the youngsters are aware of the negative cost to the environment that waste brings about.
The overall winners will be presented with various prizes ranging from attending the Global Summit of Women which is held annually in various countries. The prizes also include attending the dti's Budget Vote in Cape Town and the dti's prestigious TWIB Awards Ceremony. The dti further awards desktop computers to the winning schools. The winning schools will receive a four-in-one printer which will improve the administrative efficiency of the schools, from the main partner, Cell C.
“This programme has previously succeeded in promoting entrepreneurship among young women who are discovering suitable careers in the mentioned fields. It further encourages young women to become creative thinkers by designing a product and supporting the idea with sound business principles,” says Thabethe.
The schools that will participate in the workshop are Bankhara Budolong High School, Pampierstad High School, Karrikama High School, Steinkop High School, Ratang Thuto High School, Carlton van Heerden Secondary School, Kharkams High Secondary School, Tetlanyo High School, Steynville High School and KS Shuping High School.
The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mr John Block and the MEC for Education Northern Cape Province Ms Cjikela have been invited to attend the workshop.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Follow us on Twitter: @the_dti
