Two students from one of the island’s oldest schools, the Dominica Grammar School (DGS), have captured the second regional spot in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) Business Innovation Contest.
Kaihil Charles and Myinka Jno Baptiste received a $2,000 cheque and a certificate on Wednesday morning for their innovative business idea of a sulphur-based facial cleansing masque, called ‘Natural Erase.’
“We had to do a lot of work on it, so a lot of time was invested and I think it’s a long lasting experience,” Charles said of the experience after the ceremony. “So in the future if we want to establish a business of our own, then that experience will be of benefit to us.”
The contest required the students to come up with an original business idea aimed at a specific business, social or economic need or a problem that they observed in their country.
The idea was to be expressed in a business plan format and judged based on its innovativeness, viability and potential impact.
Jno Baptiste said the contest was very beneficial.
“It helps you with what you want to do in life and makes you think about different possibilities you have open,” she stated.
The students said the business of selling their facial cleansing masque has been successful so far.
“The first rack sold very quickly….it is a reward to us for our hard work,” they said.
The certificate and cheque were presented to the students at the grounds of the DGS by ECCU’s resident representative, Sherma John.
The objective of the contest is to support the ECCB’s mandate to promote growth in the currency union, and was open to students from the eight member countries of the ECCU.
It formed part of the activities for Financial Information Month (FIM) 2013 and is the second of its kind for secondary and college students.
Meanwhile, John is calling on students in Dominica to participate in the ECCU’s OECS essay competition.
“So we urge students during the Easter season, to do something creative and they can actually be rewarded by participating in the OECS Essay competition,” she stated.
Information can be obtained from their ECCB Agency Office on the 3rd Floor of the Financial Centre in Roseau or visit www.eccb/centralbank.org
The grand prize is $2,500.
Deadline is April 25th 2014
I like this. We need to stop limiting these children give them that push they need to be self sufficient and successful. Teach them how to be entrepreneurs from young so they can have that drive to be great in Dominica.
So proud of you DGS-JA. Well done! Continue aspiring to become the very best and keep the name of our school in the spotlight for positive things. My support to you as mentor continues. Keep up the good work Mrs. Cornelius and Ms. Francis
oh my God I am so proud of the students great
Good job DBS :D
mens sana in corpore sano
Well done as expected.
Just asking who got the first spot?
Are the students or their respective parents, going to continue this initiative or is it just cast aside and get drunk in the accomplishment?
This is great and I love to see our people and future generations be innovative. I plead with the parents of these children to continue, make this a real business. We need to build entrepreneurs from the early ages.
“So in the future if we want to establish a business of our own, then that experience will be of benefit to us.”
I want to let the students know, the future is now…. Not tomorrow or next week. Truth is, there’s an eager person waiting to find out how you all did it and will capitalize on it, while you wait for the future. You all have done what many adults have never been able to do. You have used your skills to make money work for you, instead of working for money. Don’t continue the rat race cycle and get your heads to making this project a reality.
I very much agree with you. I this ‘in the future…..’ comment rather unambitious. You have the chance now! you have the start now! what is ‘in the future’. There is no rule saying you cant be a young entrepreneur. All the famous great entrepreneurs we take example from started with their idea and built it….didn’t wait till they were a hard-back and couldn’t get an office job of their choice to start a business. Entrepreneurship is NOT a last resort. Use that money to set the foundation of the business. THE FUTURE IS NOW kids!
I just love the word INNOVATION. Exactly what we need in Dominica.
Congrats….happy to see you guys doing good and making your school proud.