Developing the next generation of potential entrepreneurs: co-operation between schools and businesses?

To realise the dream of an African Renaissance and a better life for all South Africans, the entrepreneurial energies of all people, including children, should be harnessed to contribute towards economic development, job creation and the alleviation of poverty. Worldwide, various bodies and governments have recognised the importance of entrepreneurship in job creation and as a prerequisite for sustainable economic development. Entrepreneurship development concerns the development of people's potential as a country's most valuable resource. According to a model for entrepreneurship education the challenge is to put more emphasis on creating awareness of the self-employment option and generating interest and desire for engaging in entrepreneurship. More opportunities and support should also be provided for people to learn about the entrepreneurial process. The majority of people who will start businesses in future are currently in the educational system. Integrating entrepreneurial learnership programmes into the educational system in high schools can be critical in developing the skills necessary to start and run successful businesses. The aim of the research was to determine the role and perceptions of business people regarding entrepreneurial learnership programmes in secondary schools. A literature study, complemented by an empirical survey among business people affiliated with the Chambers of Business, was used as the method of research. Conclusions from the study included that respondents strongly agreed that learnership and involvement of business people with schools are essential. It can therefore be recommended that attention be given to an entrepreneurial youth learnership programme for secondary schools. South African Journal of Education Vol.23(4) 2003: 319-32