SECOND CHANCES: TEACHING ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO FIGHT POVERTY—A Faculty outreach story
Twenty-eight people from at-risk communities across Trinidad & Tobago were exposed to entrepreneurial skills such as problem identification, how to conduct research to define the problem, ideation, solution finding, prototyping, and testing. They were part of a programme run by the Faculty of Humanities & Education (FHE) in conjunction with the 4Learning Ltd. of Finland between March and May 2022. The programme targeted individuals who may not have had access to such learning opportunities and who may or may not be lettered. All they needed to be admitted was access to a computer and the internet and a willingness to learn. The objective of the programme, entitled Innovation and Entrepreneurship to Fight Poverty, was for participants to find solutions to real problems in multidisciplinary teams and to engage in design-based learning that can lead to startups. It was based on a human-centred , multidisciplinary and intergenerational approach. National programme partners included the Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour (Tobago House of Assembly), the East Laventille Port-of-Spain Development Company, and the Rotary Club of Port-of-Spain West. Two project teams were earmarked to progress to the next phase of building their prototypes further and working with sponsors. One project seeks to find a solution to get more
young men in employment. The other aims to instil or develop more creativity in children by developing a Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programme to be taught in primary schools, which would have as a spin off the creation of employment for those specifically trained and experienced in the arts. Certificates of Participation and Achievement were distributed to participants. The next programme is scheduled to begin in 2023. For more on this and other outreach projects being conducted by the Campus, see the accompanying 2021/2022 Faculty Report at https://sta.uwi.edu/news/reports/default.asp
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