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thuthuka (to create wealth - isizulu)
The Thuthuka Project : In Support of
Youth-supported Small- Scale Ecobizz Development in the KZN Midlands
Funding is required to kick-start the Thuthuka Ecobizz programme in
the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal – a Project to promote the sustainable use
of natural resources and the development of eco-businesses (including
eco-tourism) amongst the youth in the rural areas of South Africa .
The project is based on a successful pilot project that was initiated in
the Lowveld of
Mpumalanga in 2003. In operation for 4 years, Thuthuka Thembalethu has
created opportunities for over 60 young people in the field of
eco-tourism and eco-business support.
introduction
The Thuthuka Programme is a programme of youth development that focuses
on
the building of capacity of young people for participation in
enterprises (including
tourism activities) that are sustainable – both from the business point
of view
as well as from the point of view of the ecological environment.
The Project will create opportunities for ecobizz development at two
levels:
» Production and/or operation, whereby individuals (or groups) are
helped to
identify activities which are both within their capability and which are
marketable in the Midlands. For example : Arts & crafts, mushroom
production,
bee-keeping, guiding (birding, wildlife, hiking etc)
» Business management and/or entrepreneurship, whereby products or
programmes are monitored and managed by people other than the producers.
proposal
Overview
The Project will be developed in two phases :
Phase One – the Scoping Research & Development Phase which will
assess the
development environment with regard to the establishment of an Ecobizz
programme. The report from this Phase will form the operational basis of
the Pilot
programme.
Phase Two - the Pilot programme will create an operational plan that
will include
the appointment of a Thuthuka Project Manager and the establishment of a
Thuthuka Development Centre from which the programme can be managed and
where training can take place.
Products of the Research & Development Phase
The Scoping Research and Development Project will provide evidence
relating to the current status of youth involvement in the Midlands
Meander - either at an entrepreneurial level or at a production/ service
level. In particular the research will provide evidence on THREE key
areas of concern, namely
(1) Youth interest and potential involvement: From the perspective of
the youth
levels of interest in the work potential of the Midlands Meander, and
the levels of
understanding of the youth of these potentials.
(2) Interest and support from the business sector: The levels of
interest from the
existing Meander businesses in BEE in general, and the potential support
from this
individuals within this group for youth development.
(3) The operational status of local school curricula with regard to
linked activities
such as entrepreneurial activity (including tourism).
Pilot Programme
» The starting point for the development of Thuthuka-Midlands will be
the
experiences of Thuthuka-Thembalethu (Lowveld of Mpumalanga.)
» The Programme will then be developed with the help of an invited
advisory
team. Members will have a track record of either environmental
management or
small business development (or both.)
Selection, Training and Mentoring
The success of the Project will rest heavily on four elements:
» The selection of individuals to participate in the pilot project
» The matching of individual needs and abilities with ecobizz activities
» The training of individuals (production and elementary business
management)
» The mentoring of individuals
Programme Management
» Operational : A Management Committee (ManCo), chaired by a
representative
of the funders, will be appointed to oversee the project.
» Mentorships: Mentors will be found who will help to guide individual
youth
businesses. (A long-term commitment.)
» Financial : A book-keeper will be employed by the Project and an
external
auditor will be appointed to make regular reports to the funders.
Reporting
The Project Manager (Dr Hurry) will submit regular reports to ManCo and
to the
funders.
support needed
budget
There are two separate budgets, one for each Phase of the Project.
Phase One (Two months) : R 55 300
Thuthuka Midlands Project Draft : 1st August 2007
Phase Two (Two years) 4 : R 729 000
Details of these budgets are available on request.
Support funding is sought for either (or both) of the two Phases.
Please contact Dr Lynn Hurry if you can assist in any way.