CED launches youth summer programme

In the hope of inculcating an increase in youth entrepreneurship, the Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) launched its Business and Entrepreneurial Summer Training Programme, which is set to run from August 10 – 21, 2009, at the Methodist Church Hall.{{more}}

The launch, which took place on Monday, August 10, saw keynote speaker Shirla Francis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Telecommunications, Science, Technology and Industry, extolling the benefits of youths getting involved in the small business sector. “Young people today are the entrepreneurs of the future… they are critical to our nation’s prosperity!”

Francis acknowledged that ushering youth into the agro-business sector could result in “phenomenal economic gains” if effectively applied and maintained. She pointed out that the agricultural sector contributes approximately EC$80 million annually to the local economy, and that the 15 – 29 age group accounts for 27.8 per cent of the population – a figure that plays second fiddle only to the 15 and under demographic. “It is clear that we have a youthful population.”

Francis said the participants would be mainly exposed to clothing and textiles, banana craft and jewellery making, as well as agro-business, which was the sole focus of last year’s summer programme. She urged the 55 participants to make full use of the opportunity being presented to them. Not only does it benefit them and their families, but their ventures into entrepreneurship have the potential to minimise a plethora of social ailments, including unemployment and poverty.

Explaining that she doesn’t expect that every young person will become an entrepreneur, Francis pointed out that it is a viable option because the public sector is unable to absorb every school leaver and other young persons seeking employment. “Think outside the box… an entrepreneur is an agent of change… an innovator! Make this summer programme count for you.”

Jacinta James, CED Manager of Training and Education, also gave brief remarks. She divulged that the CED is using youth entrepreneurship as “a strategy to support national development.” However, this concept is relatively new to SVG, and needs all the promulgation it can get. James also noted that in the past, young people would only be pushed into small business ownership if they didn’t display academic fortitude. “Today this is changing… many are beginning to realise that entrepreneurship… offers viable career opportunities.”.

Addressing SVG’s adult population, James admonished them on not being more supportive and encouraging of young people who have bright ideas. “We continue to stifle their creativity and innovativeness,” she bemoaned. “We have to get entrepreneurship education deeply entrenched in the school curriculum!”

James further implored of the participants to seize any entrepreneurial opportunities afforded them, and to make the most of the 2-week training summer programme. “Entrepreneurship can help you become better students who would eventually become better employees, better citizens and better business leaders.”

Also present was Dr Julian Ferdinand, Chairman of the CED Business Gateway Project, who will serve as one of the programme’s facilitators. Other facilitators include Monica Thomas-Woodley, Nzimbu Browne, Toni Johnson, and Francelia Marksman, amongst others.(JSV)