| Senior Youth Officer Pierre Liburd accepts cheque from the Development Bank’s Executive Assistant Danienne Brin |
Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 06, 2012 (SKNIS): The Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has partnered with the Department of Youth Empowerment in support of a new business programme that will prepare youth to become drivers of the economy.
The financial institution presented a cheque for $15,000.00 to facilitate an entrepreneurship initiative designed to expose 250 young people to the theory of small business development with some practical experience. The programme will be implemented at the July 15 to 29, Reneé and Ian Naismith Summer Residential Camp.
Senior Youth Officer with responsibility for entrepreneurship development Pierre Liburd, told SKNIS that the Department of Youth Empowerment along with other partners is trying to foster a culture of entrepreneurship in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Entrepreneurship is an ideal youth development avenue because it encompasses multiple disciplines that are applicable to both the holistic development of individuals and successful business operation,” Liburd said. “This initiative allows us to plant the seed of entrepreneurship as we prepare youth to identify and take full advantage of innovative business opportunities. We want them to see themselves as future employers and not simply employees.”
The bank’s Executive Assistant Danienne Brin revealed that the financial institution was pleased to support this initiative.
“This is a very important area of interest for the Development Bank,” she stated, noting that loans and technical assistance are services offered to the public. “At the camp they will learn the value of money which is very important. So the children will learn how to save over their lifetime along with developing entrepreneurial skills.”
Ms. Brin added that a member of staff will work very closely with the camp volunteers in executing the business training programme which includes developing a business idea, creating a product and or service and offering it to the public. She explained that it was a privilege for the bank to work with the camp, now in its 29th year and officials look forward to continued collaboration.
The Department of Youth Empowerment expressed appreciation for the bank’s partnership and support as both institutions share a common vision of an economy where locals flourish as successful business owners.