Create, innovate and make it happen!
This is the theme of this year’s Camp Enterprise put on by the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES), promoting agri-business.
The YES Manager, Selma Greene told Barbados TODAY the summer camp, which is now in its eighth year, also promotes self-employment as a viable career option.
However, the focus this year is on fostering an appreciation for agriculture and its contribution to socio-economic development.
In this regard, YES is partnering with the Inter American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) to expose campers to the various aspects of the sector.
Addressing this morning’s opening, Barbados’ IICA representative Ena Harvey said her agency was pleased to partner on the summer programme.
She also told campers that there was a common misconception that agriculture was only about “dirt, sweat and bad smells”.
However, she said it was more about business and money.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Ruth Blackman pointed out that the job market was rapidly shrinking and that non-nationals were also vying for job opportunities.
She therefore urged the campers to seek out opportunities for self-employment.
“You need to create your own opportunities, to take control of your financial destiny; you need to create wealth for yourselves,” she emphasized.
“I implore you to embrace the qualities and attributes that make for success in business which will be shared with you during this period.
“Be ambitious, remain focused and determined [and] believe completely in your ability,” Blackman advised, while urging the budding entrepreneurs to keep abreast of the latest technological trends to aid them in their success.
A total of 60 participants are taking part in the six-week camp and will be exposed to activities in areas such as personal development, innovation and business management training.
They will work together to create agri-businesses offering products and services of their own conception to the public.
With regard to business—we must do it—-with a vision— moral political conscience and the will of self liberation. I bear witness to the struggle of the Barbadian working class. What matters is Consciousness.
No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in plowing a field as in writing a poem..B.T.W.
With regard to business—we must do it—-with a vision— moral political conscience and the will of self liberation. I bear witness to the struggle of the Barbadian working class. What matters is Consciousness.
No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in plowing a field as in writing a poem..B.T.W.