Students Host Entrepreneurship Conference for Local School & Orphanage

by Menilik Y., ICS Student

A student-led club at ICS hosted a workshop for students of Sele Enat orphanage and Mekdela about entrepreneurship and taking interests and passions out into the world.

The ICS service group Children’s Cross Connection hosts the event annually with the aim of preparing seniors for the next step in their journeys as they set to graduate and move on from high school. The first time in four years it's been hosted in-person, the workshop provided insight, tips, and strategies into how aspiring entrepreneurs can apply their passions and interests to business.

The students invited successful and inspiring business people from around Addis Ababa to join the event as guest speakers, as well as an expert on microfinance. They shared professional practices and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The attendees have a chance to ask questions directly of these experts in an interactive environment designed to engage both novice business students and experienced industry occupants alike. Attendees not only hear from knowledgeable guest speakers but also have the opportunity to interact with our own first year IB Diploma Programme Business Management students who are eager to learn more about setting up successful companies or projects in this space.

Some of the successful business endeavors started by previous students who attended the conference include a clothing store, two motorcycle taxi businesses, and a newly opened copy and print shop. 

Stacey McLaughlin is a representative of Aerie Africa, a US-based non-profit that partners with Children’s Cross Connection.

“Since your first entrepreneurial workshop where you graciously included our students, you have positively impacted their lives in many ways," Stacey said. "Your workshops and discussions have not only exposed them to essential business concepts, they have inspired a sense of hope and possibility for their futures.”

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