The project

The South African Institute of Learning (SAIL) is a wholly black-women-owned Education and Training institute that provides accredited courses across different sectors and industries.

Director Vimala Ariyan spent 13 years as a school teacher before she joined the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). SAQA provides learning opportunities to previously disadvantaged South Africans who were denied formal education and training. She then decided to start her own educational service that focuses on SME development training. Over and above the work SAIL does, it aims to invest in the community by offering a few free seats to unemployed individuals who cannot afford training. They give training on Human Rights and are involved in child development as they are planning to open crèches to empower young business women.

SAIL requested funding because they want to scale up their business by introducing an e-learning branch to enable learners to get accredited learning at their own pace and convenience. This will create jobs for approximately 4 new employees. Their main goal is to generate job opportunities to black South African women, since they are largely under-represented in the South African workforce.