Contributed to the Patriotic Vanguard.
The Network University of Netherlands and the Institute of Advanced Management and Technology (IAMTECH) in collaboration with Migration and Development Consultancy have recently launched a program called Student Entrepreneurship Program.
The Launching program was held on Tuesday, January 19 at the IAMTECH campus in Freetown.
During the program IAMTECH showcased their new interactive whiteboard called the Smart Board. IAMTECH is the only higher academic institution in Sierra Leone that has upgraded their teaching methods from blackboard and chalk or whiteboard and marker to a sophisticated computerized Smart Board.
The Dean of IT, Tarawally, displayed and demonstrated the Smart Board which is now installed in all classrooms, for the audience to see and experiment with.
Dr. Sylvia Blyden
The Keynote Speaker for the occasion was Dr. Sylvia O. Blyden, one of Sierra Leone’s female business entrepreneur role models. Guests in attendance included student entrepreneurs, administrative leaders, local business entrepreneurs, representatives of Network University of Netherlands, lecturers, IAMTECH final year students and students from various programs.
Left to right: Charles Boye Jnr, proprietor of MasterPeace Enterprises, IAMTECH Principal Dr. Lauretta Sillah and Abu Bakar Bangura, President of the Sierra Leone National Union in the Netherlands.
Dr. Blyden delivered a powerful inspirational keynote address motivating students to bring out their God-given talents and pursue their business goals.
She emphasized the essence of business ethics and corporate responsibilities to meet expectations, avoidance of tax evasion and ensuring proper budgeting and business planning skills.
IAMTECH students at the event.
The media entrepreneur and CEO shared her personal testimonial on her path to success including her successes and challenges through medical school, establishment of a successful Internet Café when the whole nation was in darkness due to the lack of electricity and providing free Internet and computer services to active college students.
She also shared her resilience as the only local newspaper that continued publication and nationwide distribution throughout the worst moments of the Ebola period.
She ended her speech by offering free promotionals to one of the best student entrepreneurs who started a Yogurt and Cup Cake business, and shared her cell number with students, offering her services and assistance to those who would dare pursue their entrepreneurship dreams and goals.
She was given a very loud and long applause after what has been described as her "fantastic"
IAMTECH officials expressed gratitude for the support of Dr. Blyden who they say possesses a very strong passion for quality education in Sierra Leone and "tangibly demonstrates that passion by supporting underprivileged communities and academic institutions all over the country including IAMTECH."
Comments