TRANSFORMATIVE EVENT
MARKS INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY
The “Education Uplifting Ikasi” Career and Entrepreneurial Expo, organised by the 21st Century Foundation – whose mission it is to break the cycle of poverty – took place this weekend at Fons Luminis Secondary School, Soweto, and it proved to be a transformative experience for the students in attendance.
The foundation’s primary goal is to foster academic growth, encourage entrepreneurial mindsets, and enhance the capacity of teachers. Through collaboration and strategic partnerships within the community, the foundation is determined to create a positive collective force for change, aiming to address inequality and disrupt the cycle of poverty.
The event proved to be a dynamic platform designed to empower students from marginalised communities with opportunities for academic growth, career development, and the cultivation of entrepreneurial mindsets.
The introduction of partner organisations, including the South African Music Foundation, Rand Water, 2 Roads, We Think Code, IT Varsity, South Western Gauteng TVET College, The City of Johannesburg represented by the Diepkloof Library, Google Development Group Soweto, The Gathering Lifestyle Group, showcased the strong network of support that the foundation has built. The top students in grades 9, 10, and 11 were rewarded with exam preparation and wellness hampers.
The students were then guided into the Exhibition stalls, where they had the opportunity to interact with exhibitors, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore various career paths.
During the lunch break, students enjoyed activities, music, and entertainment, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that kept them enthusiastic throughout the day.
Ntombizone Feni, Executive Director of 21st Century and a leading member of the foundation, stated, “Our approach is comprehensive, working closely with teachers, parents, and the community. By nurturing academic excellence and an entrepreneurial spirit, we empower young minds, equipping them with the tools they need to unlock a brighter future. This event was a testament to how this approach can truly foster a future for our youth, helping break the cycle of poverty”.
About 21st Century:
21st Century, a level 2 BBBEE company, is one of the largest Business and People Solutions consultancies in Africa, specialising in sustainable business solutions and underpinned by exceptional Analytics and Research capabilities, with a team of more than 60 skilled specialists, servicing over 1700 clients – including non-profit organisations, unlisted companies, government, parastatals and over two-thirds of the companies listed on the JSE. 21st Century offers bespoke business and strategy planning services, operating model and organisational design, creative reward practice modelling, change, stakeholder and culture management, training courses and comprehensive human capital and talent plans. 21st Century continues to offer solutions via a combination of virtual channels and on-site presence.
21st Century has expanded its services to offer a full turnkey sustainable business and remuneration service. Beyond remuneration and reward consulting, 21st Century offers people and HR analytics; remuneration and HR training; change management services; talent and people solutions; and end-to-end organisational design and development.
21st Century has both national and international capabilities. We offer full-spectrum Human Capital services to sub-Saharan Africa & Middle East clients, and as a member of the GECN group have access to expertise on every continent.
