Queen stresses importance of entrepreneurial spirit amongst youth

Queen Rania on Tuesday opened the INJAZ student company competition trade fair in Amman, and met with a group of participating students representing each of the competing companies. The competition is part of the INJAZ Company Programme, which is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation at 10 public universities in Jordan, according to a statement released by Her Majesty's office.     The programme aims to promote self-employment and encourage job creation in the Kingdom by developing the entrepreneurial capacity of young Jordanians and enhancing their business skills. It is designed to teach students with no entrepreneurial knowledge how to start companies, walk them through the process of raising funds, product design, production and marketing and transform them from job seekers to job creators, the statement said. “In light of the unemployment challenge that we face around the world, vacancies are no longer waiting for someone to fill them, so one must stand out from the crowd with skills and experience that can set you apart,” Her Majesty told the students.    The Queen, who acted as patron at the launch of INJAZ in 2001, toured the trade fair where 50 student companies showcased their products. The diverse products on display ranged from devices to remove oily stains and advanced medicine boxes, to general maintenance services. The student companies are competing for nine awards, including best CEO, best overall company and best product.   Following the tour, Her Majesty met with 50 students, (CEOs of the student companies represented) for an informal discussion about their experience in the competition and how it impacted them individually. The Queen commended the youths’ entrepreneurial spirit, and congratulated them on the success of their companies, stressing that they are all winners because of the new skills they gained that will distinguish them amongst their peers in the competitive labour market and open doors for them in the future. “Our society and economy is in dire need of those who create their own opportunities instead of waiting for them or relying on others to create them,” the Queen said, adding: “We look forward to a young generation that isn’t afraid of repeated attempts and turns unsuccessful experiences into lessons for success.” To date, more than 1,000 students have participated in the programme, and 14 companies have actually been registered at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, demonstrating the seriousnessof these student initiatives. The student company programme also works to engage the private sector and utilise its knowledge, expertise and skills in preparing graduates to become entrepreneurs. The course is conducted in 10 public universities around Jordan with the goal to create up to 150 student companies in three years by providing students with hands-on entrepreneurial and business training, and to supervise the establishment of their firm, in addition to providing them with opportunities to grow their own companies. INJAZ was founded as an independent non-profit organisation with the mission to inspire and prepare young Jordanians to become productive members in their society and succeed in the global economy. "Since its inception, INJAZ has successfully reached over 600,000 beneficiaries across the Kingdom through its network of dedicated volunteers, with the support of its partners from the private and public sectors and in full coordination with the Ministry of Education," the statement said.  INJAZ is also a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, a leading global youth organisation. From JT