An after-school play and learn facility for pupils wins student R10 000
A staggering 250 000 learners drop out of school in South Africa, with 81% of Grade 4 learners proven for not being able to read for understanding.
“An educational crisis calls for an efficient solution and Buddyz on the Move is that solution.” That is how Ms Qetello Baloyi, a final year BSc Environmental and Resource Studies student at the University of Limpopo, opened her business pitch at the 2023 Entrepreneurship Intervarsity finals last December.
Ms Baloyi, who hails from Polokwane, said Buddyz on the Move offers a threefold after-school education solution. “We offer drama, dance, poetry and music; interactive activities such as spelling bee, debate, public speaking and reading and a tutoring service in a social learning space that allows learners to take their education into their own hands.”
Empowerment
Her company, Baloyi said, provides after-school empowerment of young people. While offering traditional after-school support, Buddyz on the Move is unique in that it aims to save parents time, money and effort.
“Our services are available on social media and in contact. We operate from garages, churches, schools, and creches. Where you find a buddy team member, you find a centre allowing us to access a broader group of people in the community, who can afford the fees, and those who can’t.”
She added that learners in government schools did not have access to extramural activities. Buddyz on the Move takes learners to concerts and on trips. “We use a value creation framework to measure our learners’ programmes, which we share with parents.
Ms Qetello Baloyi (far left) was named 2nd runner-up in the Existing Business: Social Impact category. Supporting her are Ms Itumeleng Dhlamini, Social Innovation Specialist at SA Breweries; Mr Benathi Makiyela, who emerged as 2nd runner-up in the Existing Business: Social Impact category during Intervarsity 2022; and Mr Sandile Shabalala, EDHE’s Senior Student Engagement Officer.
“Over the past 10 months we have managed to raise over R1m in stipend payments for our team members from the Department of Social Development. Our revenues have increased from R14 000 to R24 000 a month, with R18 000 funding our expenses, leaving us with R6 000 profit.”
Baloyi said in the past year, they worked with 960 learners.
Judge Duduzile Mathabela: How do you plan to spend your prize?
Response: We will use the winnings to fund leadership camps. Some funds will go towards a theatre production concert for 2024 and some on our interactive language activities competition next year. Funds will be allocated to buying digital equipment, stationary, and props.
Judge Naledi Gallant: Who are you competitors?
Response: Our competitors are local aftercare programmes, ballet schools and drama classes. But our service is unique – we offer tutoring, creative arts, and interactive language activities. So, for a parent who’s looking to save time, money and effort, we are the place to go.
Judge Miles Kubheka: What is the benefit to learners? Are you working with schools offering them as a value add?
Response: Government schools have no opportunity for extra mural activities. Some parents can’t afford it. So having a centre that will help your child with homework when you’re at work, and take them to concerts, on trips is an all-round win. Schools identify learners and recommend us to the parents.
Judge Karen Eksteen, CEO InnoCircle: What is the cost per child? Is there a break-even point?
Response: We spend R350 on non-subsidised kids and R100 on those who are subsidised. We work with the Department of Social Development, so we pay our workers from the stipend. The money earned from the children is profit.
Charmain Naidoo is a contract writer for Universities South Africa.
