Nabilah S
James Mamak, an aspiring entrepreneur, thinks that educating kids and teenagers about entrepreneurship and financial literacy can help to end the cycle of rising unemployment.
Mamak, a student in the recent Entrepreneurship and Innovation Course supported by UNDP, regarded it as a remedy for the growing number of youth unemployment and societal issues in Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.
With the help of the training, participants will be able to access business development and services from the “Bougainville Innovation Hubs” as well as cultivate their entrepreneurial and employment-related abilities.
The program, according to Mamak, educates people to appreciate themselves by knowing their own talents, weaknesses, and room for improvement.
Although he maintains a mobile market booth close to his home in Malasang Village on the main highway where he sells snacks, cold drinks, and flowers to commuters, he works as a shipping supervisor in Buka Town.
He claimed he set this up for his family as a way to supplement his income and assist in covering the rising costs of goods and services.
He is happy with the amount of extra money it has given his family’s finances.
SME’s are actively employed in the village. I support it because it enables many families, particularly those of young people, to make money. This, however, has only been accomplished through observing others and copying their behavior.
In light of the nation’s current economic situation, he continued, it is strongly urged that we start saving when we are young and foster this habit in our children.
The goal of the Bougainville Innovation Hubs, which are supported by the Government of Japan through a trilateral agreement between UNDP and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, is to create and support thriving micro, small, and medium-sized businesses across Bougainville.
UNDP and Think Place Australia both conduct trainings.
With a focus on microfinance, entrepreneurship, and education, this alliance aims to support entrepreneurial spirits.
Through the Innovation Hubs, Bougainvillean women and young people can start their own businesses, increase their financial literacy, and look to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge required to participate in a future that is primarily digital.
