12 Schools Implementing OBI at School

UNDP ZEESM TL project started the implementation of Oé-Cusse Business Incubator- OBI at 12 School

May 5, 2022

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Oé-Cusse, Timor-Leste on May 4th, 2022

On the 28th of March of 2022, UNDP ZEESM TL project started the implementation of Oé-Cusse Business Incubator- OBI at School- in 12 schools located in Pante Macassar, Nitibe, Oesilo, and Passabe sub-districts, RAEOA. The extracurricular initiative consists of a 5 weeks program and aims to empower and equip young people with basic knowledge and skills on financial management and business that will be helpful both for their daily economic decision-making and their experience with business management. This program is implemented in pre-secondary, secondary and vocational public schools in region. Students who completed it are expected to gain skills on financial management, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, opinion sharing, social responsibility, conscious consumption, and to respect others.

Prior to the implementation, 35 teachers of 12 schools attended 2 training for trainers (TOTs) in November 2021 and March 2022 to improve their capacity on how to deliver business and financial literacy programs effectively using locally available resources. The OBI at School promotes student-centered teaching methodology, where students actively engage their selves in learning sessions and interactive exercises such games and quizzes. Teachers and students enrolled in the program are provided with handbooks and guides according to their grade level. So far, the total number of students following the program in 2022 is 702, made up by 345 (49%) females and 355 (51%) males. Hence, all together with students engaged last year, the total number of students being trained is 804, 101% more than the initial target as other schools requested to be included in the initiative.

Some topics developed are related to financial literacy, such as money, economy, needs and wants, career management, skills needed for the future, negotiation, teamwork, income and expenses, domestic saving, conscious consumption, business canvas model, pricing, costing, and revenue and profit. The last week (5th) of the program, students will exhibit their products and/or present their business ideas using the business canvas model and explain their experience and results in a structural manner.

For further information on the Oé-Cusse Business Incubator you may contact Mr. Samuel Poli at samuel.poli@undp.org or 78458334.