The Junior Achievement (JA) programme which for several years has been running an Entrepreneurial programme with secondary schools in the Federation will be holding it’s 2nd Annual Trade Fair, where students involved with the programme sell their products to the public.

The Fair serves several purposes; it allows the students to showcase their learning on running a business by doing what all businesses must do, which is to generate profit from products and services. It also raises awareness among the general public of the programme and its work in developing the entrepreneurial skills of the students. Essential interpersonal skills such as: teamwork, decision-making, planning, leadership and managing conflict are among the skills that the young people gain. They also gain knowledge and practical experience of the theory of Business Planning, setting up and managing a company, basic accounting practices including purchase and sales ledgers, profit and loss and balance sheet.

Each participating school forms a ‘board’ for their company involving all participating students. They work together developing their ideas for products and or services the company will provide. The various groups involved in the programme benefit from the experience of local business people who attend to give insight into running a business. Seminars and visits are also a part of the programme.

The Financial and Enterprise Development Department of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is the department with lead responsibility for promoting the JA Programmes across the ECCB member countries. The department works with advisory boards formed from representatives of the Private sector, NGO’s and the Ministry of Education to promote and administer the Junior Achievement programme. In The Federation, JA began with a pilot programme in 2004, and aims to be a fully independent NGO by next year. Plans are also on the way to extend the programme to primary schools and a pilot in primary school is currently underway. The Trade Fair on Friday 27th April at Independence Square should be a fun occasion for all young people.

The Fair commences with an Opening Ceremony at 10:00am and throughout the day up to 5:00 pm there would be a number of complementary activities to pique the interest of the youth and general public of St Kitts-Nevis. Some of these activities include a lunchtime concert, steel pan performances and various games and prizes. For more information on the Junior Achievement Programme, you may contact: Mrs Youlouca Armony-Browne at the ECCB via telephone number 466-2537 ext 217.