A transformative initiative known as Schoolpreneur 2023 is set to revolutionise the entrepreneurial landscape within Sri Lanka’s educational institutions.
Spearheaded by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the Ministry of Education, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), this groundbreaking project aims to instill a culture of entrepreneurship among schoolchildren.
With the official launch due on November 16, the program will span across various provinces, igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in youth from Anuradhapura to Vavuniya.
Importance of entrepreneurship
Dr. Thomas Kring
Entrepreneurship, as a driving force of socio-economic development, fosters innovation, generates employment opportunities, and contributes to overall economic growth. It promotes diversification within industries, reducing dependency on singular economic sectors. Moreover, entrepreneurship empowers individuals, fostering autonomy and self-reliance, thereby enriching both personal and communal well-being.
The Ministry of Education’s endorsement of the School Entrepreneurship Day underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within the education system. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of cultivating a future generation equipped with the skills necessary to drive sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development in Sri Lanka.
Secretary to the Ministry of Education, M. N. Ranasinghe emphasised the crucial role of entrepreneurship in the nation’s current context, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of CCC, ILO, and their partners in promoting this initiative.
Director of the ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Simrin Singh underscored the program’s potential to empower youth and drive economic progress.
CEO Buwanekabahu Perera echoed the sentiment, highlighting the vital role of nurturing entrepreneurship and leadership skills in stimulating innovation and achieving economicc stability.
SALE project
Schoolpreneur 2023 serves as a flagship initiative of the ILO’s SALE (South Asia Leadership in Entrepreneurship) project, striving to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem and facilitate the transition of young people into the world of entrepreneurship. The project, funded by the US Department of State, aims to address existing challenges such as lack of training, limited market opportunities, and financial constraints faced by aspiring young entrepreneurs.
The program’s primary objectives, as elucidated by Dr. Thomas Kring, Chief Technical Advisor for the ILO, include developing the entrepreneurial capacity of Sri Lankan youth aged 15 to 24. It aims to instill a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship, inspire a thirst for knowledge, encourage innovative thinking, and foster a vision for personal and national development.
While survey data highlights the strong desire among 30 percent of youth to become entrepreneurs, it also sheds light on the hurdles they face, including limited training, market exposure, and capital.
The program’s successful pilot programs in Galle and Gampaha have yielded positive feedback, with students emphasising the need to break free from the constraints of traditional 9-to-5 jobs.
Looking ahead, the anticipation is high for the implementation of strategic initiatives, such as banks providing capital through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
This critical step, as proposed by Buwanekabahu Perera, could pave the way for increased financial support for aspiring young entrepreneurs, thereby fostering a conducive environment for sustainable business growth.
As Schoolpreneur 2023 prepares to ignite the flames of entrepreneurship across Sri Lankan schools, it is evident that this groundbreaking initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation’s youth.
By nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and providing the support and resources, Schoolpreneur 2023 is poised to usher in a new era of innovation, progress, and economic prosperity for Sri Lanka.
