Kruisfontein Youth Fights Crime with Tech Savvy Solutions
Over a two-day Design Thinking Workshop & Hackathon, the young people of Kruisfontein took a rigorous step in finding tech solutions to improve safety and security which is worsened by lack of economic opportunities in their community.
The Kouga Wind Farm Community Development Trust partnered with High Tech incubator Propella Business Incubator to facilitate their efforts to advance the community of Kruisfontein in finding innovative solutions that will uplift the community. This is in line with their Theory of Change Model which highlights the Trust’s role as a catalyst, focusing on issues or systematic problems that stand in the way or prohibit communities from becoming thriving, resilient, sustainable, and empowered. The Trust works collaboratively with entities such as Propella Business Incubator and others to achieve its vision and mission.
“The Design Thinking Workshop & Hackathon is a program facilitated by Propella Business Incubator aimed at identifying and cultivating high-tech solutions co-created with community members that will help the community of Kruisfontein improve safety and security supported by KWF Community Development Trust,” said Linda Lawrie the Incubation Journey Facilitator at Propella.
The Trust's Community Liaison Coordinator, Nadia Mjwara, shared that their focus area in the project is on "Welfare and Humanitarian Development". They aim to create resilient, empowered, and sustainable communities through strategic thinking.
For the past 8 years, Propella has been supporting new businesses, incubating more than 243 ventures. These businesses have thrived in the ICT and Industrial sectors, generating over 1,390 jobs.
Masakhane Mlamla, Propella's Business Incubator Manager, shared that ideas and solutions generated from the Design Thinking Workshop and Hackathorn will be recommended to the Trust, and economic participation projects will be generated in support of the ideas provided by the community. interview at Kouga FM, Mr. Mlamla commended Kruisfontein residents and community-facing partners for their enthusiasm, high levels of engagement, and positive outlook.
At the end of the two-day Design Thinking Workshop, the participants presented the community’s problems and viable solutions guided by Socio-Economic Researcher, Prof Deon Pretorius and Propella’s Senior Industrial Advisor Grant Minnie, who evaluated the solutions based on their impact, feasibility, and innovation.
It has been great seeing young people taking charge of their community and wanting to invest in its development! The participants of the Design Thinking Workshop & Hackathon formed a platform for themselves and called it The Humansdorp Youth Development Forum. This is an excellent initiative, and it's inspiring to see the participants electing leaders and taking ownership of the projects within themselves. With the support of the KWF Community Development Trust and incubation from Propella Business Incubator, the winning solution(s) will have a real chance of making a positive impact on the community of Kruisfontein.
Overall, the Humansdorp Youth Development Forum is a powerful example of how young people can drive positive change in their community. With support from the KWF Community Development Trust and Propella Business Incubator, the forum is well-positioned to make a real difference in Kruisfontein.
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