2017 is said to have the highest levels of unemployment since 2003. The youth unemployment rate rose to 38.6%, with 15- 34 year olds making up 58 % of  that unemployed bracket*. While many may not understand what the “junk status” classification means for South Africa, it is safe to say that everyone is paying closer attention to making and keeping their money for their future. 

Who will teach South African children how to create the jobs of the future?

Blue Ribbon is giving pupils a chance of a lifetime to do just that! In an effort to empower the youth of South Africa, the iconic bread brand has launched a flagship entrepreneurship programme coined The Mmmm Yum Kidz Tuckshop.

 For 8 weeks, hand picked schools in the Western Cape region will become a bustling business hub as the pupils run fully functional sandwich businesses. The Mmmm Yum Kidz Tuckshop is a practical vehicle that will teach South African children the fundamentals of business practice.  Pupils will learn the basics of business by setting up their own fully stocked pop up tuckshop at their school.

From the grassroots level of establishing business objectives, handling staff, implementing marketing strategies to calculating turnovers, the students will gain first hand experience in the world of service trading.

Launching in Cape Town, junior schools from Paarl, Kraaifontein, Phillipi, Kuyasa, Heideveld, Retreat and Strand have been selected to roll out the first of its kind initiative. 

To facilitate all of this, Blue Ribbon sought the expertise of personal wealth guru, financial commentator and CEO of TNC Wealth Partners Samke Mhlongo. The self-professed “Frugal Kugel” is an advocate of financial literacy and was responsible for compiling the workbook from which the students will base their curriculum over the 8 week period.

“We are thrilled to be launching such an initiative at such a pivotal but equally exciting time in the country. It is imperative that we teach the leaders of tomorrow the skills that will serve them, the nation and our economy as a whole. Cape Town has a rich legacy of birthing talents that have soared as entrepreneurs and business people and we are honoured to have some of the best working with us to mentor these students,” commented Blue Ribbon’s Marketing Executive Bakeries Noleen Ballard- Tremeer.

Joining the campaign are some of Cape Town’s very own born, “bread and buttered” personalities including entertainment legend Ready D, radio DJ’s Kyeezi, TK, Kia Johnson, dancer and all round entertainer Blake Williams and hip hop first lady Patty Monroe.

The mentors, who represent a specific school, will assist the students in the 8 week life skills competition that will culminate in the winning school announcement and prize giving at the end of October. The Roadshow begins on 22 August, officially launching the Kidz Tuckshop.

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Prepared by: Offlimit Communication PR
On behalf of Blue Ribbon South Africa

For more information contact: Selloane Moleli
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Number: 011 325 5855/078 746 5210