The Gauteng government has introduced an online application process for Grade 1 and 8 students. In the past, over 30,000 Gauteng learners faced delays in securing placements for Grade 1 and 8 in the 2018 academic year, causing concerns for parents as it is a barrier to access schooling, a constitutional right of all citizens and children.
However, this challenge became an opportunity for Muzi Nkosi, the founder of Perfect Start Academy in Cosmo City. Muzi noticed that many children in his neighbourhood could not access entrance into schools, inspiring him to start his own academy. Initially beginning as a tutorial program, it eventually evolved into a fully-fledged school offering Grades 1 to 7.
Recognising the community's struggle, Muzi approached Joburg Property Company (JPC) for a small portion of land. Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) donated a brick-making machine, and they began constructing buildings. Starting with only 12 learners, Perfect Start Academy now accommodates 138 learners, up from 80 at the start of the SEF programme and offers English, Maths and Science. Enrolment has grown organically through word of mouth, generating interest from other parents.
Muzi's Perfect Start Academy is one of 113 Early Childhood Centres supported by Avo Vision through the IDC SEF Programme and has employed five individuals previously unemployed, aged between 24 and 43, for support roles in teaching, tutoring, administration, cleaning and general tasks. This opportunity not only improves their skills but gives them much-needed on-the-job experience and also increases their employability to enter the market anew. With SEF covering the employee salaries, Muzi has been able to save and invest in improving infrastructure at the school. With savings from the human resources costs, Muzi has been able to finance the purchase of materials for the addition of two additional toilets.
In response to social and economic challenges, the SEF participants at Perfect Start Academy initiated a food garden, planting moringa, momolia, onions, beetroot peas and chilli. The produce is sold to the local community, increasing income to the centre and providing nutritious food for learners. This initiative led to a partnership with Nandos, with the academy becoming one of their chilli suppliers, a Perfect Start indeed and example of the power of transforming educational spaces beyond learning.
Witnessing substantial progress in a short period, Muzi has absorbed three teachers from SEF participants and supports 10 non-fee-paying children, previously representing 19% of the school population. Notably, these parents have started paying full fees, and enrollment has increased by 53 learners, driven by positive word of mouth from existing parents.
Conclusion
Muzi's Perfect Start Academy is a shining example of how Government's Employment Stimulus Programme through the IDC triggers not only entrepreneurial impetus, unlocks innovation and expands opportunities to grow micro and small businesses in township areas through leveraging crisis and problems into impactful solutions.
Avo Vision is committed to the journey of identifying, nurturing and supporting social impact entrepreneurs like Muzi and is proud of our role as Implementing Partner through the IDC's SEF programme to strengthen and accelerate the growth of small and micro enterprises as a catalytic resource in society and converting unemployed talent into champions of transformations.