Itsekiri NextGen Session 2 Summary Report
Date: 30/10/2021
Volunteers Present: Six (6)
Participants Present: Sixty nine (69)
Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aji Pessu, Warri
Main Topic: Understanding the concept of economics and entrepreneurship
Resource Person: Sholaye Edun
On the 30th of October was our second session of the Itsekiri NextGen project. The key element of the session was to inspire an interest in economics and business which is also one of the 5 main pillars of our Itsekiri NextGen vision; “Economic mission”. Our economic mission is fundamentally focused on inspiring an entrepreneurship mindset, sowing and fertilising economic ideas.
The participants were taught about the basics of economics in real terms; particularly as it relates to their everyday activities in the community and the productive use of time. This covers aspects of labour, production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. They were made to understand that it is not out of place if they get interested and involved in little legal and productive activities that can fetch them income, even at a young age. Activities such as washing cars, making and cutting hair, planting crops in their backyard and selling them for a token after harvesting can be both satisfying and financially rewarding in the long term.
A perfumery illustration was shown to the participants to demonstrate how a canister of perfume oil can be used to fill bottles of various sizes; 3ml, 6ml, 10ml etc, which can be sold in dozens and retailed to make a good profit. At the end of the session, they were asked what kind of business they think they can get themselves involved in the short term. Answers like the making of hair, laundry, barbing, repairing phones and computers were mentioned. This helps to demonstrate their genuine interest and engagement during the session. There were also several positive feedback from the participants. Some of these are presented here as post notes from some of the participants.
The participants also played a Listening Exercise during the session. This was to test their ability to pay attention during sessions. One of the key benefits of this exercise is that it helps to improve their listening ability. Children who are good listeners often grow up to become good communicators.
