About Avo Vision
Avo Vision has been a key player in community and, micro and small business development for nearly a decade. Over this time, Avo has positively impacted 52,049 as of 30 November 2023 individuals across South Africa through a variety of learning and skills development interventions, including financial literacy, entrepreneurship and life skills. Additionally, Avo Vision has trained and supported over 5720 businesses. The collaboration between the Social Employment Fund and Avo Vision is pivotal in accelerating the essential work of establishing resilient, profitable and sustainable businesses which are creating job opportunities for thousands of youths and unemployed individuals.
Not all green is good
In the last six years, Avo Vision has collaborated with micro and small green businesses, environmental conservation organisations, government, community stakeholders and corporates across South Africa to develop regenerative agriculture programmes. These programmes are aimed at alleviating the effects of alien and invasive plants (AIPs) and the challenges associated with socio-economic issues.
With support and funding from the Social Employment Fund, Avo has expanded its impact by onboarding additional Green Businesses in North-West, Mpumalanga and Western Cape, complementing those already incubated in Eastern Cape and Limpopo. These businesses actively address water scarcity, unemployment and the crisis of AIPs in South Africa. South Africa has round 9000 alien plant species, 348 of which are classified as ‘bad’ – ecologically damaging and invasive. These include water hyacinth, famine weed, bugweed, wattle and sekelbos.
SEF and Avo Vision are accelerating green business growth
The green businesses produce charcoal also known as ‘organic coal’ or ‘vegetal coal’ using a pyrolysis process to create Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified charcoal. This sustainable and ethically sourced green artisanal charcoal helps 4 tons of CO₂ per 1 ton produced. Avo’s comprehensive Green Business Value Chain programme has successfully supported 47 micro green businesses. These businesses have gone on to clear 413.49 hectares, saved 510.07 million litres of water and produced 231 tons of charcoal.
Green businesses play a crucial role in advancing regenerative agriculture by restoring and rehabilitating indigenous ecosystems, curbing soil erosion, reviving traditional practices, and creating rural jobs, with in roles such as chainsaw operators, charcoal kiln operators, OHS officers and environmental field coordinators. This programme has the potential to sustain at least 60% of the jobs created. Each green business has the potential to employ around 10 individuals and positively influence even more. The Social Employment Fund serves as a vital tool in accelerating ongoing and future efforts in the fight against alien and invasive species, water scarcity and unemployment.
Education is the key to success
The statement, “education is the key to success,” holds particular significance in the context of children. The initial five years of a child’s life are crucial for their overall development, given that 90% of their brain development occurs during this period. It is essential to emphasize the significance of providing children with access to high-quality education, proper nutrition and comprehensive care, which all shape future generations. Avo Vision has been actively engaged in with Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) principals/owners for over half a decade. The organisation extends support in areas such as business management, operational efficiency, funding readiness, financial skills and leadership. This collaborative effort aims to equip ECDs with the necessary tools to operate as profitable and sustainable entities.
The SEF programme is a transformative opportunity for these ECDs. Not only does it facilitate an expansion of their capacity, but it also enhances their overall business growth prospects. Through the SEF initiative, these ECDs have been able to successfully employ educators and additional staff members like cleaners, cooks and maintenance staff. This staff expansion contributes significantly to the smooth functioning of day-to-day activities within the ECDs, fostering an environment conducive to holistic child development.
Community upliftment in Cosmo City
Cosmo City in Johannesburg is witnessing rapid growth, leading to an increased demand for jobs. Avo Vision is contributing to responding to this need by placing 355 unemployed individuals in 113 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres located in Zandspruit, Cosmo City and Nellmapius. Those employed are engaged in diverse roles such as general work, administration, and classroom assistance, while gaining valuable work experience and income.
The initiative aims to enhance participants’ soft and hard skills while providing a reliable income source. Basetsana Mashego, a SEF participant, highlights the positive impact on youth employment, emphasising personal growth and patience learned through the experience. Stipends are crucial for participants like her. A baseline survey conducted of the SEF-Avo programme revealed that roughly 4528 dependents rely on income earned by the participants.
ECD owners also benefit, receiving additional support while saving on human resources costs. Perfect Start Academy hired eight youth, aiding their financial stability, easing the impact of Covid-19. The SEF participants initiated a food garden, selling produce to the community, thus contributing to the centre’s financial health and providing nutrition for disadvantaged children. Lehaye Thwala, a SEF participant at Perfect Start Academy, used the stipend to get a driver’s license, which will help her accessing other income generating opportunities. Engaged in teaching and tutoring, Thwala sees the SEF programme as a gateway to better opportunities. Overall, the SEF programme brings hope to South Africans, exposing them to diverse opportunities and allowing them to acquire and refine various skills. Through the programme 2888 children who cannot afford fees, will have access to education across various ECDs.
