Campus focuses on entrepreneurship

VANDERBIJLPARK – A compulsory entrepreneurial module provides the second year BEd students on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU) not only with the opportunity to showcase their creative skills, but also to earn some money.

Entrepreneurship is ‘n buzz word that has everybody thinking, especially when considering the economic uncertainty currently experienced in the country as well as the competitive job market. According to Dr Lenie Holtzhausen, programme manager and lecturer at the School for Educational Sciences, the necessity of entrepreneurial skills is also encapsulated in the National Curriculum Statement. This implies that all learners should be empowered to develop entrepreneurial skills.

At school level, especially from Grade R to Grade 9, Economic and Management Sciences are focused on, and according to Dr Holtzhausen this early exposure emphasises the importance of entrepreneurship. According to the set assessment outcomes, learners are encouraged from Grade 4 to take part in market days and to practically apply their knowledge of entrepreneurship. As the learner progresses through the grades, the focus on entrepreneurial skills is expanded to include aspects such as advertising, marketing, strategic planning and business plans.

The students get the opportunity to present their skills on a weekly basis and there is no limit to their creativity. Staff and students are enticed by delicacies such as candy floss, pap and braaivleis, bunny chow and pancakes, and art and craft work also draw a lot of attention. “It is important to support learning outcomes with practical experience,” explains Dr Holtzhausen and adds that as future teachers these students are empowered to live the value of entrepreneurship.