Working On ‘A Good Cause’ In South-Africa
Think of a solution to teach business skills to a developmental country’s future business people in order to sustainable entrepreneurship. This was the assignment that students Mike Bajema, Djamilla Hofmeyer, Merly Bacus, Femke Brouwer, Sem de Roos and Kyle Werner took on. It gave them a life changing experience. “How often do you get to contribute to the solution of a word wide problem with a school project?”
A well-substantiated business plan, sufficient start-up capital and an elaborate administration: whomever wishes to start a company in The Netherlands will be pondering a proper plan for days. The difference with Africa and Asia is striking. There, every day, excited entrepreneurs start a business without any preparation. But what are the demands, how does one stock in a smart way and who is your target group?
Modern Approach
"Over 20 years, the South-African non-profit organisation Epic Solutions has been organising trainings across the globe to teach future entrepreneurs the business skills that are required to start a sustainable business”, explains client Akkemar Born. "Often, people start without a plan, keeping no administration whatsoever. The largest part of these companies ceases to exist after six months. That is a shame, especially since these entrepreneurs, with the right guidance, would probably be able to run a company like this. That is why we, with our training, provide the necessary basics. "
The current analogue training, however, desperately needs a modern upgrade, which is why Epic Solutions came to NHL Stenden, requesting students of the Game Development & 3D Minor to contribute to a new digital approach. "The idea for an app soon came up”, says tutor Joke Lunsing. "A serious game, that creates awareness about what running a small company involves. Our students therewith contribute to a vital, entrepreneurial region, and in this case an intercontinental region, consisting of Africa, the Middle East and South-America."
Running Tests At The Other Side of the World
After weeks of developing and asking for feedback, the group of six students decided to go and test the app themselves in an South-African township. "Testing your product on the target group is an essential part of the design process", knows student Mike Bajema. "In our case, this was a township located at the other end of the world." In order to enable this journey, the students went on a quest for sponsors, funds and subsidies. Mike: “That was a completely new experience for me, but it familiarised us with the biggest challenge entrepreneurs face: how to get the money that is required to make your dreams come true?"
In the fall break, the six students travelled to South-Africa, on their way to a week full of new experiences. “You can prepare and read all you want, but when you get there, it turns out to be completely different than you ever could have thought”, says Djamilla Hofmeyer, laughing. “From day two, we started testing our app and soon surprising improvements emerged. For example, we visited the local market to see for ourselves how expensive all the products are in order to adjust the prices in the app. Small details, which make the game far more realistic.”
Life Time Experience
During the test week, the six students noticed the big impact of their app. Djamilla: “I clearly noticed a difference in thinking with people who had played with the app. If only for the fact that they had become aware how important it is that you keep track of your expenditures. This was highly rewarding for me.” Mike is also impressed with the app’s success. “Already after the first day of testing, people came to us to tell us that they had only just become aware of where they had gone wrong. That is really cool. It made us realise that, with the app, you can
Tutor Joke Lunsing is also excited. "It is great to see the impact of this project on our students. They have learned so very much and not only with regard to the app, but definitely also in gaining life experience, which will benefit them for the rest of their lives. So, the app does not only impact South-Africa, but also Friesland. These students have set a movement in motion that they could not have dreamed of."
Enhancing the Community
With the knowledge that they acquired in South-Africa, the students created an excellent basis for the app. During the follow-up, new students will continue the development. “It is great to see that this project appeals to a broad audience”, Akkemar proudly nods. "Besides Communication & Multimedia Design, the Serious Gaming Master has also joined. We are considering including Social Work in this project as well. After all, the purpose of the app is enhancing the community.“
