Thanks to the support and generosity of UNC alum John W. Burress III (AB ‘58), UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA students recently had the chance to help make a difference in the lives of young people in Cape Town, South Africa.
 
The project, known as Global STAR – South Africa, was a full partnership between South African Education & Environment Project (SAEP) and UNC Kenan-Flagler to support and empower disadvantaged youth in Cape Town. In addition, it gave MBA students the opportunity to work on real issues facing an organization in an emerging market.

“The goal of the project was to develop a strategy for SAEP to increase its efficiency and social return on investment,” says strategy team member Monique Jackson (MBA ’11). “We wanted them to see how focusing their resources could create a bigger impact in the community they were serving.”

Dedicated to serving children and youth in the impoverished townships of Cape Town, SAEP is an award-winning nonprofit organization that helps young people realize their potential by helping them build academic and life skills, prepare for productive employment and contribute as leaders to South Africa’s economic and social development.

“Basically, the organization was trying to give a little to a lot of people, but we felt they would be more successful by giving a lot to just a few select individuals,” says strategy team member Tim Wells (MBA ’11).  “With that in mind, one of our major recommendations was for SAEP to accept into its programs only high-potential individuals that could, with SAEP’s help, get into college or at least get a good job out of high school.”

 “We believe that our recommendations, if implemented, will get more township kids to and through college or at least get more kids better jobs after high school so they can break the cycle of poverty in their family.”

“The value add to the youth is simple,” explains Monique. “They now have a consistent positive force and holistic support system in their life from early childhood through young adulthood. The presence of such an influence is the difference between them realizing their potential and falling behind like so many of the Cape Town youth that do not have that system.”
 
On a more personal level, adds Monique, “There is something to be said for the personal impact that going to South Africa can have on a person. The people, culture and land are beautiful. There is a wonderful spirit of forgiveness in South Africa that would inspire anyone. It’s amazing how they remember the past but forgive anyway, all in the spirit of moving toward their bright future.”

SAEP founder Norton Tennille commented on the professionalism of the STAR – South Africa team: “It was a great group of young people who put their all into the project. Their work not only confirmed our understanding but developed credible new findings that gave us new insights into our organization.”