Ipyet/Perspectives in Youth Entrepreneurship Training

Welcome to Module 3. This is the third of five modules on the IPYET 2011 Online programme. The first module set the tone for the discussions we have had so far and will explore for the remainder of the sessions and the residential programme. Module 2 took us further up the chain on entrepreneurship training by exploring some of the critical elements during an example workshop. While the basics of what a business is, why start your own business, types of enterprises, etc. are the bedrock of a solid entrepreneurship training, most training programmes do not include elements that bother on the perceptions of young people as they come into the training itself and as they start on their entrepreneurial journey.

Its all about the Money – nothing else??
Is this the case? Does our society have any bearing on the success of a business? Does the society’s influence stretch further back to our fundamental orientation as community members, our values and perceptions? If the society we find ourselves in has a particular value system, are we always prone to be acceptable to these or are we rebellious? Can we possibly be counted as successful in business only by the levels of profits we make?

If we acknowledge that societies have a bearing on the entrepreneurial orientation and the success of a business, perhaps the main question will be – “what are the societal perceptions that impact positively or negatively on youth entrepreneurship?”. Our perceptions as trainers, and the perceptions of the trainees do and will affect not only the success of the training event but the entrepreneurship development programme as a whole. Perceptions of Child Labour, Disability, Health Conditions, Social and Family Conflicts, the “green” environment, gender, etc. are essential to the success of any entrepreneurship programme. While many may choose to ignore all or some of these, their impact is felt directly or indirectly.

Key Questions
By the time you finish the online discussions on this module, you should have explored various thoughts and questions:


 * 1) 	What are the differences between sex and gender?
 * 2) 	How do gender relations affect entrepreneurship raining?
 * 3) 	How do gender relations affect the success of businesses?
 * 4) 	What are some key gender concepts necessary in teaching entrepreneurship?
 * 5) 	What gender constraints and considerations are important for youth enterprise training?
 * 6) 	What is child labour?
 * 7) 	What are the causes and consequences of child labour?
 * 8) 	What are the issues surrounding the phenomenon of Child Labour in Businesses?
 * 9) 	What mechanisms can be used in training and raising awareness on child labour issues?
 * 10) 	What International conventions exist on child labour and how they be domesticated?
 * 11) 	How can we address child labour issues through youth entrepreneurship programmes

How this module is organised
The are two sub-modules. Each sub-module can be organised as a stand-alone course.

Module 3.1: Gender Considerations in Youth Entrepreneurship Training explores the impact that gender, sex and related concepts have on enterprises. Discussions further explore the approaches that can be used in incorporating these lessons into entrepreneurship training for young people. The module attempts to open up all the conceptual notes and theoretical underpinnings of the topic for discussion prior to the residential programme. Practical exercises and training techniques will be explored during the residential programme. Your moderator for this module’s discussions is Elizabeth Simonda. Seasoned and phenomenal may currently be the best words to describe her knowledge and experience in handling this topic. Don’t miss her class.

Module 3.2: Child Labour Considerations in Youth Entrepreneurship Training is a crucial topic for all participants. The Commonwealth and ILO places great importance on the value of children and youth. Just as in module 1.1 our discussions partly centered on the ethical issues of working with young people, this topic goes further to consider some further legal and conventional elements of the topic of child labour and enterprises. Since entrepreneurs will face this issues head on, it pays to ensure that all entrepreneurship trainers are well-grounded in the theory and training approaches on the issue. Your moderator for this discussion, Mukatimui Chabala is a specialist in Child Labour issues and development programming. Her expertise further in moderating e-discussions will ensure that you have an experience beyond measure.

Sub Components

 * PWD Considerations in Youth Enterprise training	George
 * Gender Considerations in Youth Enterprise training	Elizabeth
 * Child Labour Considerations Youth Enterprise training	Mui

General Recommended Readings:
COMSEC (2005), Gender Equality: A Decade of Commonwealth Action, http://publications.thecommonwealth.org/gender-equality-380-p.aspx ISBN No: 978-0-85092-818-1, London.

ILO Gender Bureau: ABC of Women Workers’ Rights and Gender Equality (Geneva, 2000A) http://www.ilo.org/public/english/supportr/public/xtextww.htm#b8449

ILO. 2002. SCREAM – Stop Child Labour. Supprting Children’s Rights through Education, the Arts and the Media. International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC), ILO. Geneva.