An Innovative Model of Management Education for the Poor

Abstract

Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA) City Campus is a private business college that provides bachelor's degrees to economically disadvantaged students in South Africa. CIDA's model of management education is in stark contrast to conventional business schools, which are not accessible to or adapted to students from extreme poverty. To help overcome their disadvantaged backgrounds, CIDA students are provided with holistic education encompassing inner development and community spirit, not just career-oriented skills and knowledge. Furthermore, CIDA students are engaged in creating economic value for their school and their communities, in contrast to traditional education that sequesters students from productive engagement with their communities. The CIDA model provides lessons for management educators seeking to target impoverished students and their communities.

Keywords

poverty management education Africa economic development meditation

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