Notre Dame University-Louaize Shouf Campus (NDU-SC), for the second consecutive year, sponsored on Saturday, April 14 2018, the “Innovation Camp 2018,” which was organized by Injaz Lebanon and Rural Entrepreneurs, and held in Baakline Official Secondary School. The camp aims to nurture school students’ entrepreneurial spirit and to encourage them to become more proactive toward developmental challenges in their communities.
Around 85 students representing different private and public schools in Shouf, Ikleem, and Metn participated in a set of interesting activities and challenges, and competed for scholarships and workshops granted by the SC. The schools represented included Baakleen Official Secondary School, Universal College Chheem, Lycee D’orient Daraya, Hammana Official Secondary School, Kfarhim Official Secondary School, and Shouf National College.
The Innovation Camp aims at heightening student awareness about the important role of entrepreneurs in driving innovation and social change as well as acquainting them with the business realities by giving them an opportunity to identify challenges in their local communities and develop creative business solutions to address those challenges. The event, moreover, offers students a chance to practice key soft skills, such as teamwork, presentation skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
This 8-hour event began at 9:00 a.m. with an introduction to the missions of both Injaz and Rural Entrepreneurs followed by a short talk underscoring the University commitment to support the academic growth and social development of students in its immediate community.
Students were randomly divided into teams of seven and were assigned mentors with diversified academic backgrounds and professional experience to inspire them and guide their efforts throughout the day. Following an introduction to the concept of entrepreneurship, and following some problem-solving activities, students were asked to develop a business model in a sector of their choice in an effort to help create jobs in their remote communities.
After working closely with their mentors, students developed basic business plans for their ideas and pitched them to a jury composed of Dr. Imad Hamdan, Dr. Diana Joumblat, and Mr. Imad Kniao. The jury evaluated and graded the ideas based on a number of preset criteria, such as the degree to which the business ideas were clear, innovative, realistic, achievable, and well-presented. The winning teams were selected accordingly.
The three winning teams received 50 percent, 25 percent, and 15 percent scholarships respectively for their first semester in the SC in addition to a one-day on-campus workshop on leadership.
The SC continues to affirm its strong commitment to invest in youth skills and capabilities, and to provide all Lebanese youth with accessible, inclusive and quality education.