The Spark Impact Programme Training Africa’s Next Generation of Media Changemakers The Spark Impact Programme is Sunshine Cinema’s flagship youth employment and social impact accelerator, designed to equip young people across Southern Africa with the skills, tools, and opportunities to use film as a driver of social change and sustainable livelihoods. Launched in 2021, the programme responds to the reality that many young Africans—particularly those in rural and peri-urban communities—face limited access to quality education, high unemployment, and few pathways into meaningful work. Spark addresses this gap by combining media skills training, mentorship, and income generation, empowering young people to become community-rooted media entrepreneurs and impact facilitators. A Proven Youth Employment Accelerator: The Spark Impact Programme is Since its launch, the Spark Impact Programme has trained over 100 young media entrepreneurs from all nine provinces of South Africa and is now expanding regionally across Southern Africa. Participants, known as Sparks, are equipped to use film, dialogue, and digital media to spark conversations and inspire action on critical social issues, including: Gender-based violence Mental health and wellbeing Conservation and climate awareness Teenage pregnancy Substance abuse and youth development Through this approach, Spark strengthens civic participation while creating practical employment opportunities for young people. A Blended Model: Skills, Income, and Impact The Spark Impact Programme runs for 10 months and uses a blended learning and earning model that ensures participants gain both marketable skills and real income. Key Components of the Model Skills Training: Hands-on workshops in content creation, facilitation, digital marketing, photography, podcasting, social media management, and event hosting Mentorship & Coaching: One-on-one guidance, peer learning, and masterclasses with experienced impact producers and storytellers Income Generation: Structured support to access gig-based work, allowing Sparks to earn between R1,500–R10,000 (USD $70–$550) per month during the programme This income potential is supported through partnerships with organisations such as Canon South Africa, AXXA, JBL, and Jackery, helping participants build sustainable livelihood pathways while delivering community-level impact. The Sunbox: Film-Powered Community Dialogue At the heart of the Spark model is the Sunbox—a solar-powered mobile cinema kit that enables community screenings in areas where traditional media access is limited. Each Sunbox includes: A micro projector Solar power system Screen and sound equipment Curated, award-winning African films Sparks use the Sunbox to host free community screenings in rural and peri-urban areas, creating safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue. These screenings amplify marginalised voices, build trust, and encourage collective reflection and action on local challenges. Accredited Learning with the University of Cape Town All participants complete the University of Cape Town (UCT) Film Impact Screening Facilitator Online Short Course, a five-month programme requiring approximately 8–10 hours per week. Through this course, Sparks learn to: Map and engage audiences for maximum campaign impact Apply social movement and impact storytelling strategies Facilitate meaningful post-screening dialogue Launch and manage small media and facilitation businesses Graduates receive a certificate from the University of Cape Town, strengthening their professional credibility and employability. What Participants Receive Trainee Benefits Professional Training: A 10-month, practice-based accelerator focused on real-world media and facilitation skills University Certification: Enrolment in the UCT Film Impact Screening Facilitator Course Income Pathways: Access to paid gigs, including campaign content creation, facilitation, screenings, and digital marketing Equipment & Tools: Access to professional media equipment and digital marketing starter kits Live Impact Experience: Hosting at least two solar-powered community screenings per month Career Launchpad: Portfolio development, references, and introductions to partners for paid impact campaigns Network Access: Membership in Sunshine Cinema’s regional Impact Facilitator Network for ongoing work and collaboration Who the Programme Is For The Spark Impact Programme is designed for motivated young people aged 21–34 from rural and peri-urban communities who are passionate about storytelling, social change, and earning a sustainable income through media and facilitation. No formal film background is required—commitment, curiosity, and community engagement are key. What Makes Spark Different Unlike traditional training programmes, Spark goes beyond skills development. It places the power of storytelling and income generation directly in young people’s hands, enabling them to become agents of change within their own communities. Spark does not just train media practitioners—it builds a new generation of changemakers who transform films into tools for dialogue, knowledge sharing, active citizenship, and lasting social impact. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the programme organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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