Cover Story
Cover Story
Summer 2018 / Issue 58
Junior Achievement - Teaching Entrepreneurship to High-Schoolers
With Macedonia still plagued by high unemployment rates and insufficiently motivated young people entering the labor market , there is a need for recognizing the importance of entrepreneurship education and inspiring all stakeholders to create a pool of young people who are more employable . The Junior Achievement Network endorses the idea that young people need to be exposed to the world of work and diverse role models early on , helping them make the best possible education and career decisions . The program has a high impact , boosting career ambitions and leading to behavioral changes towards higher entrepreneurial intentions .
Since its start in October 2017 , Junior Achievement Macedonia , as part of the Junior Achievement Network , has been following its mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy and aims to create a generation of young people in the country who are ready to face all challenges that the future workplace may pose . We believe that nobody should leave high school without having had at least one practical entrepreneurial experience through , for example , running a student company . Our program trains teachers to guide the students through a Junior Achievement ( JA ) Company Program , where students are running their own company and discovering how a company functions . JA Innovation Camps are used to put the spotlight on specific high-growth industry sectors , bringing students into a
Author : Ljupka Panchevska , Acting CEO , Junior Achievement Macedonia
Winners of the Junior Achievement Competition in Macedonia
24-hour challenge to compete in best business concept developed during one day in teams of five students . At the end of the day they present the business concept in front of the jury and compete for the best prize . During program , students can earn JA ’ s unique Entrepreneurial Skills Pass ( ESP ) which is a self-assessment tool heling students become aware of the competences acquired through the company experience . Beside this , students have the chance to participate on national and international competitions where they have the opportunity to present their companies and products in front of a jury and business sector representatives . JA programs are very well received in Europe and worldwide . Namely , the teachers recognize the educational value , young people like the hands-on experience , and their parents support them in acquiring it . The success of the program is also due to the wide support from business volunteers .
In cooperation with high schools throughout the country , JA Macedonia offers students aged 15-19 an opportunity to learn how to move a business idea from concept to reality . The Company Program is available to all high schools in Macedonia who are willing to cooperate . The last school year involved 220 students from 30 high schools ( both general and vocational education
6 AmCham Macedonia Magazine