Village Market: promoting agribusiness and conservation

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In December 2020 GPA provided a $5000 grant to Village Market to create a mentorship program to promote agribusiness and conservation focusing on planting crops that produce food and crops that support beekeeping. Honey was harvested and sold to the community. The program created a seed bank, several trainings for youth and provided working capital for youth who are beginning their own community gardens. Based on the success of the first grant, a second $10,000 grant was awarded to expand the seed bank. This will allow small farmers to use the seeds from their harvest and not need to purchase new seeds each year. Moreover, this process creates biodiversity and preserves the land.

 

 

Ambiani: Creating online content to teach children African languages

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In December 2020 GPA funded Ambiani ($5000.00) to launch a pilot project that provides online learning to youth in South Africa in their African languages. Weekly content is provided through a WhatsApp platform and engages youth with interactive games and activities. The organization trained 6 tutors/mentors and employed 4 individuals to create content. 24 students participated in the pilot phase.

African Comedy Collective: using comedy to create online content for local entrepreneurs

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In 2019, GPA proudly supported the Collective with a $5000 grant to purchase AV equipment. This organization uses their immense comedic talents to produce short videos for social entrepreneurs to post on social media. Additionally, they host monthly networking meetings for young entrepreneurs to learn from each other. In 2020 GPA provided additional funding due to the COVID pandemic that supported them as they transitioned community networking events to an online platform. In December 2020, GPA awarded second level funding in the amount of $10,000 to expand operations of the impact studio and to other townships. ACCA has helped numerous organizations increase their online presence and has now worked with GPA grantees and applicants in South Africa to create their “pitch” videos when applying for funding. They are a prime example of youth developing business models that provides jobs and social benefit to others.

a networking event

part of the ACCA team

Sobae: producing amazing sorbet and juices from perfectly ripe fruit

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In 2020, GPA was pleased to support Sobae with a $3600 grant. This organization uses “perfectly ripe” fruit that is sold by vendors in the community to make delicious and healthy sorbets and juices. GPA funding allowed them to move from a push cart to a store. GPA provided additional funding ($3300) during the COVID crisis to support their needs as they move to a virtual community

Sobae Leadership

The new store!

A visit from Duchess Meghan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2021 GPA provided additional COVID related funding allowing the organization to operate during the pandemic. Finally, in October 2021 Sobae received a second level grant for $10,000. Funds were used to increase production of their best-selling sorbets, purchase additional equipment and hire two employees. In addition, they increased their product line to include gummies and donut cones!

 

 

 

 

 

Sobae’s famous DONUT cone!

Lockshin Pizza: Supporting the community through pizza

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GPA was pleased to offer a first grant for $3300 to support Lockshin Pizza, a shop that provides a safe place for youth to gather and do homework after school. The youth first do their homework, then learn how to operate a pizza parlor. GPA funding was provided to help the organization purchase necessary equipment and commercial kitchen supplies. In 2020 GPA provided special COVID related grant funding in the amount of  $7500 to assist the organization as they re-tool to provide much-needed bread to the community during the pandemic.

The Lockshin Pizza Team

Ubunchule Bezandla: women learning traditional beading and modern entrepreneurship

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In May, 2019 GPA provided a $3500 grant to support instruction in traditional beading arts and entrepreneurship education for women in South Africa. Nine women were trained and now operate their own businesses. Additionally, the organization improved it’s social media and marketing plans and began to sell their wares to a larger audience.

women participating in beading instruction   

some of their amazing work

Nkosi Vogt: Agribusiness in South Africa

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In June, 2018 GPA made a $5000 grant to Nkosi Vogt to teach youth how to develop and manage an organic pig farm. The project not only supported youth entrepreneurship but, address severe food insecurity in the region.

One participant stated, “I have a daughter and I am a single mom. I was working with my dad in the construction industry when our business fell apart. I decided to try something and approached Nkosi Vogt about their piggery. Upon starting, I was given a female piglet, they grow up fast and soon it will be ready to breed. I have appreciated learning this trade. We have found a butchery to distribute our porkers to….”

Black Starz: Business incubation competition for youth

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South Africa – In December, 2014 GPA awarded Black Starz a $5000 grant. Black Starz created a business incubation program and contest serving 40 youth divided into 13 teams. Each team was charged with developing a sustainable business model to address a pressing social problem. The program along with local business leaders, mentored and guided youth during this process. Youth presented their concepts to a panel of judges and those promising enterprises were awarded funding and ongoing mentorship.

Black Starz youth participants receiving their awards

Miyela: Youth learned to become bakers, proceeds supported literacy programs for underserved schoolchildren.

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South Africa – GPA funding was used to implement “Lick the Spoon” — a catering company which will employ youth and teach them a variety of entrepreneurial skills.

Funds from baked goods were used to implement tutoring and mentorship programs for under served, school-aged youth, implement the national youth spelling bee and provide teaching aids. The group also started a drama club, book club and library and runs a political discourse program for youth.

In February, 2014 GPA provided a supplemental grant in the amount of $500 to assist Miyela leadership with the development of a detailed business plan to promote long-term sustainability of the organization and it’s programs.

Remember Us Care Center/Navela: Job skills workshops for youth affected by HIV/AIDS

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Remember Us Care Center/Navela

South Africa – Remember Us Care Center/Navela works to assist youth and community members affected by HIV/AIDS.  They provide guidance, nutritional awareness education, training and home nursing skills, and job skills workshops.  Remember Us Care Center/Navela advocates for victims of sexual violence through the use of support groups and counseling.
Grants

  • February 2009 – GPA is partnering with Navela to provide services to youth affected by HIV/AIDS.  The youth will be growing vegetable gardens and learning to prepare healthy meals for themselves and their family.