On 6 May the MSA LEAD Programme was launched. Managed by MSA in partnership with the International Youth Foundation and Laureate International Universities, the aim of the programme is to identify 10 young social entrepreneurs currently involved in social ventures that are addressing critical issues in South Africa. A social venture is defined as a project, organisation or business that considers social impact to be their major guiding motivation.

The 10 young social entrepreneurs identified will be given the opportunity to join the yearlong MSA LEAD fellowship programme. This includes an intensive week of training, focusing on leadership development, project management, budgeting and communication skills. Additionally, ongoing learning opportunities will be provided throughout the fellowship year as fellows are each paired with a mentor. MSA LEAD fellows will join the global YouthActionNet® community of nearly 1, 400 young innovators who are leading positive social changes in 90 countries around the world.

The MSA LEAD applications are now open and will be accepted until 30 June 2016. The programme is open to founders or co-founders of social ventures aged 16-29 who are living and working in South Africa. Applicants must have founded or co-founded a venture that has had a measurable positive social impact that has been in place for at least six months. In addition to training, follow-up support and access to a global community of change-makers, the MSA LEAD programme will award elected fellows with $2,000 USD (approximately R29,000) to support their work.

Prof. Alwyn Louw, MSA Academic President, says, “At Monash South Africa, we truly believe that learning and education are key tools to help drive positive social change. The MSA LEAD programme will build on MSA’s track record and foster innovation and youth leadership nationwide”.

About the International Youth Foundation

The MSA LEAD model is part of the International Youth Foundation (IYF) signature YouthActionNet® initiative, which over the past 15 years has built institutions supporting nearly 1, 400 young social entrepreneurs worldwide. For more than 25 years, IYF has led and sustained coordinated action to harness the talent and potential of the world’s youth, now numbering 1.2 billion. At the heart of IYF’s efforts is building partnerships, initiatives, and curricula that prepare young men and women to succeed as citizens, employees, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

For further information on MSA LEAD and eligibility criteria please visit https://msalead.msa.ac.za, contact 011 950 4491, or e-mail MSA-LEAD@monash.edu

Follow MSA LEAD on social media #MonashSA #MSA-LEAD