Fourteen students from the advanced-phase class at the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development (RAA) graduated this November – the first class to complete the new three-tiered programme at the academy.

The RAA was started in 2005 by businessman Raymond Ackerman in association with the UCT Graduate School of Business. The academy aims to provide opportunities and business training for youth who are excluded from tertiary education because of social, academic or financial constraints.

This year the course was split into three separate phases for the first time – with the advanced phase the students' final step.

Michelle Khusu, 18, from Gugulethu received the Business Numeracy Prize as well as the prize for Best Overall Student at the graduation ceremony. She plans to register for a BCom at UCT next year.

"I'm very glad that I decided to come to the RAA before doing my BCom," said Khusu. "The small class means you get individual help and attention and the course has really built up my confidence."