The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Junior Achievement (JA) hosted the JA Future Leaders Summit last Wednesday, December 04, 2024, at the Lisas Gardens Community Centre in Couva.
JA Trinidad was established in 1970, to assist the nation’s youth develop the employment and entrepreneurial skills required to attain meaningful work and start sustainable companies. The goal of JA, standing on its three pillars: Financial Health; Entrepreneurship; and Work Readiness, is to empower young people with the skills and mindset to build thriving communities.
Youth Development and National Service Minister, The Honourable Foster Cummings stated, “The Junior Achievement Programme equips youth with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to navigate the climb. Through hands-on experience in business, entrepreneurship and leadership, Junior Achievement doesn’t just teach you to dream—it teaches you how to turn those dreams into reality.” “Programmes like this,” Cummings added, “are not just preparing you for a job or a business—they’re preparing you to lead, innovate and inspire.”
All Junior Achievement Programmes are developed by JA’s Education Group for the USA, Latin America and the Central and South Caribbean; and are piloted in classrooms and after-school settings around the region. The Programme starts with a Teachers’ Training Programme focused on the teachers’ ability to guide, encourage discussions and log progress; and lessons at each stage of the process, with minimal input in children becoming inventors of their ideas.
In her address, Ms. Boddie-John, Manager Director, Junior Achievement – St. Kitts and Nevis stated, “The JA Programme is designed to help evoke students’ entrepreneurial spirit and help them in preparing business plans. They will learn how to analyze, evaluate and apply the financial and business skills needed for a successful career.”
The Summit included presentations from business leaders, who shared their experiences and gave advice on their trajectory to entrepreneurship and business careers.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourages civic-minded citizens to contribute to the National Service of Trinidad and Tobago.
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