The Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, has embarked on an initiative piloting entrepreneurship skills at the Lettie Fouché School in Bloemfontein.
The university’s Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) is pioneering the project to unlock money-making skills within learners, to breed a generation of true entrepreneurship.
The university has chosen Lettie Fouché to pilot the Valu-E Entrepreneurship Experience, with the 15 participating learners each receiving hands-on training. This school caters for children with a learning disability.
To ensure learners adapt well, another session was conducted on Thursday, 6 June, following the launch on 16 May.
This training programme is meticulously designed to ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship among the learners, offering them a unique learning experience that would otherwise be missing in the standard curriculum.
The training involves an active learning approach through which individuals gain knowledge and skills through direct experience and practice, often using tools or equipment rather than just listening or reading.
Daniel Maritz, spokesperson for the university, said ongoing training was aimed at providing an invaluable opportunity for the faculty to further gauge the impact of the programme and refine the team’s approach based on the feedback from the initial session.
“The FMS is proud to partner with the Lettie Fouché School in this pioneering educational initiative,” said Prof. Albert Strydom, faculty dean.
“This dynamic partnership is a key component of the university’s outreach programme and renewed efforts toward feeder schools.
“Our goal is to attract a top-tier intake of first-years at the beginning of the year. We look forward to nurturing young entrepreneurial spirits that can contribute positively to our society.
“This ongoing engagement underscores the faculty’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among diverse youth communities in our region.”
Maritz said the impact of the collaborative learning initiative was evident.
“Several of Lettie Fouche’s educators, including the school’s occupational therapist, played an active role in the activities.
“Their involvement not only helped adapt and align the session’s content with the specific needs of the learners, but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and community involvement, making the experience both accessible and impactful.”
