Honduran Professors Trained in YABT Business Laboratories

Using an innovative "learning by doing" teaching methodology, the YABT trained 29 university teachers who exchanged knowledge and expertise on youth entrepreneurship in Honduras.

The training was made possible thanks to the work of YABT Honduras and support from the "Young Honduras" program and the Golda Maier Mount Carmel Training Center of Israel.

The 29 participating teachers from public and private universities undertook five days of Business Labs workshops and will convey the knowledge gained to their students so that they may organize and develop micro and small enterprises.

"I would like to thank the sponsors of the training course, the "Young Honduras" program, the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel and the OAS, for having the idea of having teachers from universities learn a new model that develops entrepreneurialism among Honduran students," said Marlon Hernandez, a student representative, during the closing ceremony held at the Instituto Superior Jesus de Nazareth in San Pedro Sula.

The ceremony was attended by Xiomara Castro Hortensia Zelaya, director of the "Young Honduras" program, Leon Fizman, the representative of the Consulate of Israel in Honduras, Jorge Miranda Crown, the representative of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Honduras, and university professors.

In this context, the representative of YABT Honduras, Luis Sevilla, read an emotional letter written by Roy Thomasson, Executive Director of YABT, congratulating the participants and motivating them to continue together on the path of youth entrepreneurship.

"We find that our courses are very effective in working with young people both inside and outside of schools, and they offer a simple but effective series of exercises that give participants the experience and capabilities needed to start small businesses. Through its Business Laboratories, YABT has succeeded in changing the perceptions that were had about business and has provided a model for educators that is easily adaptable and motivates students", said Roy Thomasson.

Thomasson also stated to the political and academic representatives that this Business Lab is only the beginning of the work to be done for entrepreneurs in Honduras. "The Young Americas Business Trust expects and hopes that this course is just the beginning of a close collaborative relationship for further progress in the development of programs benefiting youth. In this regard, we invite you to join other initiatives of YABT, such as the Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas (TIC Americas) and TIC Honduras, which will be carried out in 2008 - 2009 in Honduras. Their collaboration will be central to an active participation of Honduran youth".

For more information contact:
Luis Sevilla
Program Officer YABT Honduras
Tel: (504) 290-1505
E-mail: lsevilla@presidencia.gob.hn

Wriitten by Gonzalo Rosas
Communications
Young Americas Business Trust
Organization of American States