Students from Mbongeni Mgugudu Secondary School in Tsakane, Johannesburg, have defied the odds, achieving a remarkable third-place finish in the prestigious World ORT YEP (Youth Entrepreneurship Program) competition. This achievement is especially noteworthy considering the challenges they faced, which their competitors “couldn’t imagine.”
“Coming from a township where opportunities are often limited, they’ve proven that talent and perseverance can overcome even the toughest odds,” says YEP facilitator, Anele Mkungela.
Mbongeni Mgugudu Secondary School had to overcome significant hurdles to succeed in this global competition. The lack of access to computers and reliable internet in their classrooms posed a major obstacle. However, armed with tablets and connectivity provided by ORT, they persevered, demonstrating exceptional dedication by “scouting for connectivity outside school hours and in unconventional places.”
Despite these challenges, the Mbongeni team, comprised of Grade 9, 10, and 11 students, rallied around their innovative idea, “Agrivision” – a prototype device designed to empower small-scale farmers with knowledge and real-time information. Their commitment to supporting this vital yet often overlooked group in South Africa’s food supply was evident throughout their YEP journey.
The World ORT YEP (Youth Entrepreneurship Program) competition challenges students to create innovative products or services that address pressing social issues. The program simulates the process of real-world entrepreneurship, taking students through the stages of brainstorming, market research, business plan development, and culminating in a polished pitch.
In a remarkable display of resilience, the Mbongeni students not only triumphed in the first round of the competition but also secured an impressive third-place finish overall, competing against schools from Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa.
Mkungela further emphasizes that “their success isn’t just about winning a competition, it’s a story of hope and possibility that I hope will inspire other young people to dream big, embrace new challenges, and never give up.”
The impact of the YEP program extends beyond the competition itself, empowering students with valuable entrepreneurial skills and fostering personal growth.
A student, Mapitso Mkwayi, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to develop ideas that could benefit communities, stating, “Being part of the program enabled me to develop ideas that could help or grow different communities.”
The Mbongeni team’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless potential that resides within young minds. Their success in the YEP competition serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and the right support, even those facing significant challenges can achieve extraordinary things.
