To close off the final Convo Lounge podcast season 2 episode, we highlight a project with Debswana that we delivered under the Anglo-American Foundation Ambassadors for Good programme, addressing our problem statement from season 1, episode 1 regarding the role of brands in reducing unemployment in Botswana through investing in youth talent communities. During our collaboration, insights related to solving unemployment emerged. Here are some of the main points we discovered along the way:
The Importance of PPCP Collaborative Projects: The conversation highlights a project in partnership with employees at Debswana Diamond Company under the "Ambassadors for Good" programme from the Anglo-American Foundation. This collaboration demonstrates how corporate initiatives can contribute to community development and potentially address unemployment in the long-term.
Creative confidence building through creative sector skills development: The project's approach of engaging students in creative activities and immersing them in various industries, particularly mining and the creative sector, was pivotal in enhancing student learning outcomes. This methodology was significant because it went beyond traditional learning techniques, actively involving students in hands-on, imaginative tasks. By interpreting and applying their new-found knowledge to create plays about community needs and impacts, students were able to deepen their understanding and retain information more effectively. This immersive experience broadened their skill sets and knowledge base and encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative expression. Such an approach is instrumental in fostering a more engaged, innovative, and initiative-driven mindset among students, crucial for their academic and future professional success.
Role of Corporate Social Investment (CSI): The discussion emphasised the importance of CSI programs in tackling community challenges like unemployment. The program’s design, which required active participation from Debswana employees, shows how corporations can directly and meaningfully impact their communities beyond financial contributions alone.
Building Trust and Sustaining Engagement: A significant lesson was building trust with participants (students, schools ( teachers + management) and community ( parents and partner brands) and sustaining engagement beyond once-off projects. This ongoing engagement can have a more profound and lasting impact on addressing unemployment.
Exposing Youth to Real-World Applications: The project exposed students to real-world business and industry scenarios, helping them understand potential career paths and the relevance of their education to the job market.
Leveraging Technology for Greater Reach: The conversation touched on the potential of using technology, like online platforms and animations, to reach and educate more young people efficiently, thereby aiding in preparing them for the job market.
Encouraging Local Talent and Entrepreneurship: There was an emphasis on inspiring youth to appreciate and leverage local opportunities and talent, encouraging them to think entrepreneurially and consider starting local businesses, which can contribute to solving unemployment at a scale beyond Botswana.
Youth Advisory Boards: The idea of creating youth advisory boards was suggested to ensure that youth perspectives are included in designing company programs that affect them, making these initiatives more relevant and effective.
30 ноя 2023
