This educational program was made possible through the partnership between Qredits Aruba and Aruba Bank N.V. At the beginning of the 2022 – 2023 school year, this partnership was formalized through a Letter of Intent, with Aruba Bank N.V. becoming a sponsor of the project.
The educational program "BeYourOwnBoss" introduced "Entrepreneurship" to a group of nearly 600 students (aged 14-16) and equipped them with all the necessary entrepreneurial skills for their future. It's vital for the next generation of professionals to be informed that entrepreneurship is also a career option and, even more importantly, entrepreneurial skills are not only demanded when a person is an entrepreneur, but also when working in any organization. The students will be able to apply what they learned during the "BeYourOwnBoss" program in any type of job they choose in the future.
Throughout the school year, students were introduced to various local entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and knowledge of their own market. Through practical tasks, students also learned how to survey the local market. In the end, all students were given the opportunity to present their own product or service idea during the "Pitch Event" that took place at each school. To conclude the project, each school selected a group of students to represent them at the "Final Pitch Event" held at Piso Tres.
Qredits Aruba presenting MAVO
Qredits Aruba presenting MAVO
Qredits Aruba presenting MAVO
10 SCHOOLS - 10 LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
In the month of November, different local entrepreneurs were invited as "guest speakers" to the 10 secondary schools participating in the "BeYourOwnBoss" program.
Each guest speaker had the opportunity to talk about their business and share their experience as a local entrepreneur. Derin Küçük (Sage Mindful Marketing) visited "De Schakel College" and shared his journey as a local entrepreneur.
Derin Küçük also explained the importance of "Creating a purpose-driven life", aiming to inspire the youngsters to follow their passion in the future. Other local entrepreneurs included, among others: Queeny-Anne Bergen (Piso Tres), Mary-Lynn y Julissa Ras (Paper Sisters), Larissa Bermudez (Larissa Bermudez PR & Communications Specialist), Rocio Burgos (Meliorate Branding Boutique), Rachel Peterson (Farm a Cure Fungi), Asher Lopez (Sunset Lopez Landscaping), Nicholas Gordon (Kulture Café) y Elton Semeleer (Simplo Tax and Financial Consultancy).
Local Entrepreneurs - Guest Speakers ( BYOB)
Local Entrepreneurs - Guest Speakers ( BYOB)
At the end of the educational program "BeYourOwnBoss", each school was given the opportunity to choose their winning team to represent their school with their own product or service idea during the "Final Pitch Event". From handmade items to delicious treats made from their own recipes, the students showed their creativity, determination, and business knowledge.
Abraham de Veer
Filomena College
Mon Plaisir College
The school that won the final pitch event was "Commandant Generaal Abraham de Veerschool" (C.G. Abraham de Veerschool Aruba). Congratulations go to the company "Puppy Yumyums" by the young entrepreneurs: Abigail Miranda, Angel Richardson, Victoria Nicholson, and Jaydrick Geerman. Colegio San Antonio Aruba took the second place with the company "JLD Candy" presented by the young entrepreneurs: Dayenne Croes, Lizienne Maduro, and Jayselin Danje. Lastly, the third place went to the company "Sanchez Swimwear" from EduCampus Aruba, presented by young entrepreneur Maria Camila Sanchez Gaviria.
A huge thanks to all 8 schools and students who participated in this event. The participating schools were: De Schakel College, Colegio San Antonio, Mon Plaisir College, Commandant Generaal Abraham de Veerschool, Ceque College, John Wesley College, Filomena College, and EduCampus.
A special thanks also goes to the invited judges: Ms. Tisa Lasorte (CEO & President Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association - AHATA), Mr. Gavril Mansur (President Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Mr. Igmar Reyes (Manager Corporate Customer Service Aruba Bank N.V.), and Mr. Oliver Vieira (Risk Manager Qredits Caribbean).
The second edition of "BeYourOwnBoss" will commence in the school year 2023 – 2024. "BeYourOwnBoss" is a collaborative project between Qredits Aruba and Aruba Bank N.V., with the aim to inspire the next generation to develop the necessary skills to become successful professionals in the labor market.