MakeReign launches the MR.Empowerment Fund - empowering youth with free higher education in UX/UI

MakeReign is launching the MR.Empowerment Fund to aid in addressing and contributing directly towards tackling the crisis in lack of education opportunities and youth unemployment in SA. We see these challenges as an opportunity to better our society and ultimately empower the next generation.

This Empowerment Fund will select at least five young students annually and pay for full bursaries to study in the field of UX/UI – students who would not normally be able to afford this higher education.

Students will study the 12-month User Centred Design Course at Red & Yellow. The course is designed to empower and shape students to become future digital product designers and product innovators.

Students will then also receive automatic placement into the MakeReign Academy – a comprehensive paid internship that is designed to help the students develop their skills in various aspects of UX/UI design. It will provide them with hands-on experience, practical training, and mentorship from experienced professionals in the industry in order to become workplace ready.

Introducing the MakeReign Academy - accelerating careers within the UX/UI industry

MakeReign  22 Feb 2023

Upon successful completion of the User Centred Design Course at Red & Yellow and the Academy internship, students will then be considered for full time employment at MakeReign.

The aim is to create meaningful career opportunities post studies for the students. This holistic approach ensures that the students not only receive financial assistance and access to education, but also the necessary tools to be workplace ready.

The first set of students began their studies at Red & Yellow August last year and will join the MakeReign Academy in March 2023.

The enrolled students for the first intake are, Nikita Gertze, Wokholo Qika, Kgalalelo Shoai and Moses Maluleke.

Nikita Gertze, one of the Fund’s recipients spoke about what she’s learnt so far from the experience, “[It] has been an eye-opener for me as I was able to immerse myself in the world of design. This course also made me realise the universal importance of research. Research informs the foundations of almost any project, and understanding who you are truly designing for enables you to solve the problem successfully.”

Adding on what a career in UX/UI means “...it can truly be a rewarding career if your passion lies in problem solving and improving people’s lives.”

Applications for the next intake will happen later this year. Announcements on this will happen in due course.

About MakeReign

MakeReign designs digital interfaces that transform companies. We empower organisations to deliver experiences that move them forward – building for what is now and next.

Through research, user-centered design and testing with real customers, the interfaces we design enhance users lives and drive value across the whole customer journey.

A South African based agency, we’re operating and connected globally. We’ve launched hundreds of successful features and products for our clients from around the world; ranging from newly founded startups and tomorrow’s category leaders to iconic brands.