The Innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation recently hosted a two-day Sprouting Entrepreneurs Programme for educators in schools in and around the Greater Edendale community. The programme was hosted by Dr Matthias Forcher-Mayr of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF).

The workshop formed a part of a continuous programme offered by the Centre to inculcate agricultural entrepreneurship in rural schools and local communities. The broader aim is to counteract issues of food insecurity, poverty and to encourage financial independence through crop production and the commercialisation of gardens.  

The training covered topics such as gardening skills, resources required to operate a functional agricultural business, the development of agricultural business ideas and financial management. Included in the training were creative exercises to stimulate creativity and innovation.

In attendance were representatives from Sinathing Primary School, Phayiphini High School, KwaMpungose High School, Funulwazi Primary School, Amakholwa Secondary School and Izwilesizwe Primary School.  

Centre Manager, Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo engaged with the teachers to share words of encouragement and appreciation.

“We have come to the realisation that introducing entrepreneurship at university (level) is a bit too late, but early age is much more effective. We looked at communities around us to identify issues and see how we can support them with our resources. We are looking forward to growing with you as the first group in this programme, and we are in the process of forming more partnerships with other organisations to maximise support for this programme,” said Ngcobo.   

Teachers in attendance encouraged such practical programmes to be included in lower and higher education, explaining that it is the most impactful method of teaching and learning. Mr Clint Thompson a teacher at KwaMpungose High School applauded the Centre for introducing this programme and complimented the facilitator, Dr Forcher-Mayr for his great work.  

“The facilitator has been great since the beginning, allowing us a lot of interaction and opening our minds to new possibilities. He was very practical in his teaching and managed to deliver both the theoretical and practical side of the workshop impeccably,” added Thompson.

Facilitator, Dr Forcher-Mayr closed off the programme with words of gratitude deeming the session as one the most memorable he has facilitated and commended the teachers for their participation and efforts.   

Pictured:  Dr Matthias Forcher-Mayr of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF). 

Nontethelelo Mzizi