Nurturing Entrepreneurial Mindsets with Ecubed

Founding Story

In April 2014, the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa took a decisive step, instructing the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to incorporate entrepreneurship into the curriculum from Grades R to 12. This initiative was launched to more effectively prepare young learners for the modern world, focusing on cultivating entrepreneurial skills essential for a sustainable future.

Ecubed, an independent non-profit organisation and acronym for Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Education, was founded in 2018 in response to this call. Its founding members, Dr Taddy Blecher, Dr Ria de Villiers, and Waheeda Carvello, recognised the urgent need for entrepreneurial training in schools and were tasked with driving this goal forward. Ecubed’s vision is clear: to empower young learners and equip them with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, helping reshape the South African educational landscape.

Addressing South Africa’s Education and Employment Crisis

South Africa faces a significant challenge in its education system, as many graduates leave school lacking the skills required to thrive in the 21st-century workforce. The result is a growing youth unemployment crisis, with many young people unprepared to succeed in an increasingly complex and digital world.

Ecubed recognises that a transformative shift in the educational system is crucial to addressing this issue. The organisation aims to foster entrepreneurial mindsets in learners, enabling them to become solution-seekers, value creators, and active participants in society. By capacitating the education system and supporting teachers, Ecubed is working towards a future where South African learners are prepared for the modern economy.

TeacherConnect

Ecubed’s digital platform, TeacherConnect, launched in September 2020 as part of the DBE’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform was developed in collaboration with various strategic partners, including Praekelt.org (now Reach Digital Health), Care for Education, Tomorrow Trust, the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship, and Turn.io, with support from the LEGO Foundation.

TeacherConnect serves nearly 700,000 users, offering vital resources and support for entrepreneurial education. Through its accessible, data-driven, and low-tech solutions, the platform ensures that teachers and learners can engage in meaningful educational experiences. This approach strengthens the education system and helps reduce youth unemployment by equipping learners with the skills they need to thrive.

Ecubed envisions a future where every child has entrepreneurial skills and a mindset that empowers them to take control of their environment post-schooling. With initiatives like TeacherConnect, Ecubed is nurturing the next generation of young leaders, ensuring they are ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.

—

‍Ecubed is part of the 2024 Injini Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program.