South African Ideas Festival – Ideas Worth a Shot

South African Ideas Festival – Ideas Worth a Shot

Founding History: Since 2011, the Bezos Scholars Program has cultivated a committed partnership with the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in Johannesburg, South Africa. ALA draws students from all over Africa, and every year, we collaborate to select a small team of students, and one educator tasked with planning the annual South African Ideas Festival (SAIF). Each year the team chooses a theme to focus their efforts and impact.

Project Focus: Youth leadership efficacy and skills

Target Audience and Location: Youth, ages 17-19, from low-income townships in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Vision: Generating a prosperous Africa driven by empowered young African leaders.

Mission: To inspire young changemakers to create a positive impact in their communities by building leadership skills and providing supportive mentorship.

Project Description: Scholars Karim Ben Fraj, Amani Nyonyoozi Tumusiime, Helena Appakouo Dogo, Tatenda Shamiso Masambani and Kashimani Simasiku and their educator Nandi Mgwaba, will host a three-day in-person festival at ALA, engaging youth participants from nearby townships and providing food and transportation to ensure accessibility. In collaboration with a team of nine student interns from their school, this year’s festival theme is “Ideas Worth a Shot”. It was designed to foster youth leadership among young people in Johannesburg’s low-income townships. Recognizing the untapped potential within these communities, the project focuses on inspiring and empowering youth to take on leadership roles and drive positive change in their neighborhoods and beyond.

Through workshops, mentorship, and youth-designed collaborative community projects, the festival aims to equip young people with essential leadership skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. The festival also pairs participants with experienced mentors who will offer guidance, support, and advice as they work on developing their projects which are designed to meet a need in their community. Ideas Worth a Shot aims to cultivate a generation of empowered leaders who will contribute to the prosperity of Africa creating lasting impact in their communities.

As student leaders, the ALA Scholar team is most proud of “our team’s ability to adapt and collaborate creatively with diverse partners to bring our project to life. Watching everyone step out of their comfort zones to contribute their unique skills has been inspiring. We are grateful to be part of such an inspirational team!”