In a bid to foster entrepreneurship from a grassroots level, Sri Lankan schoolchildren are set to embark on a journey of innovation and business acumen with the upcoming launch of Schoolpreneur 2023, a pioneering initiative orchestrated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This transformative event is strategically designed to instill entrepreneurial skills at the school level, paving the way for a future where the younger generation can tap into a myriad of opportunities to generate substantial income post their school education.
Scheduled to kick off on November 16, which also marks School Entrepreneurship Day, Schoolpreneur 2023 is the brainchild of the ILO’s South Asia Leadership in Entrepreneurship (SALE) project. In collaboration with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and the Education Ministry, the initiative aims to usher in a paradigm shift in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering a seamless transition for young individuals into the world of entrepreneurship.
The event is poised to unfold its impact across schools spanning all nine provinces in the country. Each province will have a chosen district to host the event, namely Anuradhapura, Badulla, Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Puttalam, Ratnapura, Trincomalee, and Vavuniya. The carefully selected districts underscore the inclusivity and nationwide reach of Schoolpreneur 2023.
The ILO expressed its anticipation that Schoolpreneur 2023 will play a pivotal role in nurturing youth entrepreneurship, particularly among school students, who have traditionally been underserved by conventional entrepreneurship development programs. Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, emphasized the significance of investing in entrepreneurial skills at the secondary school level. She believes that such early investments will better prepare the youth for a brighter future, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their families, communities, and the nation.
M.N. Ranasinghe, Secretary of the Education Ministry, lauded the government’s efforts in fostering entrepreneurship within educational institutions. He highlighted substantial advancements, including the establishment of entrepreneurship clubs nationwide, as part of the ongoing commitment to cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth.
The Schoolpreneur 2023 initiative is not only groundbreaking but is also backed by substantial funding from the U.S. Department of State. With a dedicated budget of US $2 million allocated for the project over a two-year period, the endeavor seeks to create a tangible shift in the entrepreneurial landscape. The initiative is not confined to Sri Lanka alone but extends its impact to Nepal, showcasing a commitment to empowering youth and enhancing their capacity to launch and grow their own business ventures.
In essence, Schoolpreneur 2023 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the ILO, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and the Education Ministry in steering Sri Lankan youth toward a path of economic independence and self-sufficiency. As the initiative unfolds, it holds the promise of not only nurturing entrepreneurial skills but also sowing the seeds for a future where the youth of Sri Lanka can contribute meaningfully to the economic and social fabric of their nation. Through this concerted effort, Schoolpreneur 2023 aspires to be a catalyst for transformative change, creating a generation of young entrepreneurs equipped to meet the challenges of an evolving global landscape.
