‘Students to learn what’s required to start run and wind up a business’
Students in Grenada will once again have the opportunity to practice the art of the business deal when the Chamber of Commerce managed Junior Achievement (JA) programme for 2008/09 recommences in schools throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
The programme had been interrupted following the passage of hurricane Ivan and was re-introduced last year with great success when three hundred and seventy (370) students graduated. They represented eighteen Junior Achievement companies.
‘Junior Achievement is perhaps one of the best ways young people can be introduced to business,’ said Patricia Maher, chairperson of the Junior Achievement programme in the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce. ‘Today when jobs are hard to find,’ Maher said, ‘teaching young people how to be self employed is critical to our nation’s economic advancement and survival.’
The Junior Achievement programme brings students together to form business entities which they operate under the supervision of a Board of Directors. The students must run the businesses they form just as if it were a going concern and follow all of the rules and practices of business. When the programme is over the business is wound up and the operation evaluated.
‘We are excited about recommencing the programme and to do so successfully would once again require the financial and personal support of the schools, the tertiary institutions, the business community, civic organizations and past graduates,’ the programme Chairperson said.
The programme depends heavily on persons with business experience taking the time to share their business know-how with the students by acting as Mentors, Consultants and Advisors to the various companies over a period of twenty five weeks. To this end, the Chamber is inviting and encouraging persons who are willing to assist in this way to contact the Chamber’s Secretariat on Tel. 439-7767/440-2937 or email: jagrenada@hotmail.com or gcic@spiceisle.com
Junior Achievement is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by corporate and individual contributors across the island. JA’s focus is on developing skills in entrepreneurship, job readiness and financial literacy. The Chamber is keen to continue to be part of the development of the next generation of Grenadian entrepreneurs and invites you to join them in doing so.
Trade Fair 2008