It is not by accident that many community leaders the world over, are entrepreneurs. They have carved their own niche in the world.
St. Anthony’s School is taking steps to offer students a chance to look at entrepreneurship and create their own future.
“Entrepreneurship is a good fit for this community. We rely heavily on the entrepreneurs in our community. They are the ones who drive our economy,” said Principal JoAnne Akerboom, who is spearheading the program at the school. “We need more of them and we need to take more time to understand and value their contribution.“
JoAnne Akerboom, St. Anthony's School principal.
On Tuesday, May 21, Akerboom is holding a session in Padua Hall to explain the new entrepreneurship courses the school is planning to offer to students in Grades 9-12.
She was involved in developing, training and delivering entrepreneurship education in Nova Scotia for students from kindergarten to Grade 12 a well as working with youth up to 30 outside the traditional school system. This was in collaboration with the Nova Scotia departments of education, economic development and community services as well as the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Human Resources Development Canada.
“Our work eventually led to the start of an innovation centre that worked with people from 65 countries. The most amazing result was having people realize they can create their own future,” she said.
The school is planning to use the curriculum from the Nova Scotia Department of Education. They will also have resources developed by CG International, which has developed programming used all over the world.
“Entrepreneurship is a high-interest area for students as they feel it brings a sense of reality, or “the real world,” to the education system,” said Akerboom. “Entrepreneurship education provides an opportunity for students to relate learning to what happens outside the classroom. A common outcome of entrepreneurship education is that students feel more self-reliant and realize they have control over their own futures.”
She says already there is interest at the school.
“We did a presentation and asked who was interested and I have no doubt we will have a great class. I am hoping that after the presentation to parents and the community, students will have additional encouragement to explore the world of entrepreneurship and take more control of creating their own futures,” she said.
As the program takes off, there may be ways for the business community in Drumheller to get involved.
“The involvement of the community would enhance the program significantly and I hope to find business people who are willing to mentor our students as they start their ventures,” she said.
The meeting is from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. this Tuesday at Padua Hall.
