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Have you ever felt the pull of a life-changing opportunity, one that pushes you beyond your limits and challenges everything you thought you knew? For , that moment came when she discovered the Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Africa (EESA) program, a journey that took her from the University of the Western Cape to empowering small businesses in disadvantaged communities.

Born and raised in Cape Town, Bahati Hassan’s journey to the EESA program began at the After discovering the program through UWC's Center for Innovation and hearing faculty describe it as a "life-changing opportunity," Bahati felt inspired to join the rigorous experience. Coming from a middle-class background, she was motivated by the chance to dive deeper into South Africa’s diverse socioeconomic realities, while using her academic skills to create real change.

Bridging Classroom Knowledge with Real-World Impact

The Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Africa (EESA) program offers students a unique and intensive experience, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on consulting in underprivileged areas of South Africa. Participants act as business consultants for small enterprises in economically disadvantaged communities, applying the concepts they learn in real-time to help these businesses grow and thrive. This approach goes beyond traditional classroom learning, enabling students to develop practical skills, particularly in consultancy, that are tailored to assist businesses in poverty-stricken areas. The program allows students to immediately apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical execution.

For many of those pursuing business degrees, EESA is incredibly beneficial because it forces students to think critically and creatively in ways that traditional education often doesn't. As Bahati shared, the program was the first time they could put their expertise to the test, moving beyond theory to meaningful action. The ability to make a tangible impact in such a short period, while receiving mentorship from world-class professors, offers a learning environment that’s both interactive and hands-on. Unlike the rote memorization often experienced in standard courses, the EESA program encourages students to focus on real-world problem-solving, helping others while honing their own skills.

What truly sets the program apart is not just the business acumen gained but also the exposure to different teaching styles and the opportunity to collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds. Bahati noted that working with American students and experiencing more interactive and applied teaching methods were highlights of the program. The sense of collaboration, mutual learning, and cultural exchange created an enriching experience that extended far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on students both personally and professionally.

A Life-Changing Challenge

Bahati described her experience as one of the hardest challenges she has ever faced. From long nights to heavy workloads, the program pushed her to her limits, but it also transformed her approach to learning and working with others.

"If you can do EESA, you can do anything."

This message became a mantra for Bahati as she tackled assignments, reminding her that she was capable of overcoming any challenge.

The EESA program's structure is intense. Bahati explained that the workload is vast, and participants have very little time to grasp complex concepts before needing to apply them in real-life scenarios. The pressure to perform wasn’t just about personal achievement—it was about providing valuable knowledge to entrepreneurs who depended on it. This heightened the stakes, giving Bahati a sense of responsibility and purpose. "You're not just learning for yourself; you're doing it for somebody else," she said, reflecting on the unique motivation that comes with knowing her work could directly benefit others.

Beyond the academic rigor, Bahati found the most rewarding aspect of the program was witnessing the appreciation from the entrepreneurs she worked with. Being able to see the real-world impact of her efforts was invaluable. She also shared that the program gave her confidence, as it required her to apply knowledge in real situations, rather than simply submitting papers. This experience reassured her that she was capable of handling the challenges outside the classroom, which are often much different from academic life.

When asked how the EESA program has shaped her future, Bahati revealed a key realization: entrepreneurship is her calling. Through the program, she became certain that she wants to forge her own path, not only to empower herself but also to uplift others. Living in South Africa, Bahati has seen firsthand the disparities in economic situations, and she believes entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to make a difference. The EESA program, for her, is just the beginning of that journey.

As for whether she would do it again, Bahati initially responded with an emphatic "no," given the difficulty of the program. However, with some time to reflect, she admitted that the challenge and growth she experienced were so impactful that she might just reconsider.