Assumption Development Centre

The Assumption Development Centre (ADC) is a skills training and small business development centre in Joza Township, Grahamstown. ADC is the only centre of its kind in Joza, and began operating in 2014. ADC was founded by the Assumption Sisters in partnership with Rhodes University, through its Community Engagement Unit. Currently the Assumption Sisters have had a missionary presence in Grahamstown for over 160 years.

ADC has established working partnerships with the local chamber of commerce Grahamstown Business Forum (GBF), individual businesses, departments at Rhodes University, local and national NGOs and other organisations.

ADC spent the better part of the last two years (2014 and 2015) developing a socio-economic development model to help unlock the huge human potential that exists in Joza and surrounding areas and, in the process, to refashion the economy of Joza and that of wider Grahamstown. ADC’s model is based on the provision of a solid foundation in life, social and personal financial skills before participants embark on more specialised training and coaching in one of three areas: job seeking and placement (through back mapping) , supplementing household income (through improved livelihoods) and small business development.

Through its partnership with local businesses ADC has secured a number of both casual and permanent internships for its beneficiaries. To date 21 young people have been placed at National Arts Festival and further 3 people at Makana Bricks. Going forward ADC plans to expand this exciting work initiative to include more businesses, local private schools, Rhodes University and Makana Municipality.

Training in small business development takes the form of both general and specialist courses, augmented with mentorships provided by the staff at ADC, business people, Grahamstown Business Forum (GBS), Rhodes University and other volunteers in Grahamstown.

Small businesses that show the necessary drive and potential to succeed are rewarded with assistance to find start-up capital. ADC has 7 partner businesses that are now making profit and 7 fledgling businesses. In this regard, the ADC recently secured funding from a leading South African company to support 2 of its partner businesses with equipment.

In summary; the aim of the ADC is to break the cycle of poverty in Joza through empowering individual members of the community to reach their full potential, whether it be as an employee or a self-employed business person.