INJAZ students participate in the second annual 'Battle of the Best' competition
Kuwait, 27 June, 2007 - On June 29th Kuwait will witness, for the second time, a battle in which twenty-five mock companies will compete in an event organized by INJAZ Kuwait, for its participating students. This competition, named 'Battle of the Best 2', will ultimately determine the company that has successfully demonstrated skillful business planning and execution.
This year INJAZ Kuwait conducted programs in 23 schools, both public and private, across Kuwait. While 305 students were enrolled with INJAZ in 2006, this year a phenomenal one thousand students in the age group of 16-18 years have participated in the INJAZ Company Program. These students will end the year by competing in the second annual 'Battle of the Best' competition where the winner will carry the title - the best company of the year.
"I would like to note that we are immensely pleased to have been able to organize the INJAZ Kuwait 'Battle of the Best' competition under the patronage and attendance of Her Excellency Mrs. Noreya Al Sabih, the Minister of Education. We would also like to thank our Gold sponsors: Wataniya Telecom and Manpower & Government Restructuring Program and our Silver Sponsors: Arabian Motors Group, Hamad M Al Wazzan & Partners, Al Homaizi Group, Gulf Bank and Alghanim Electronics, who have made this competition possible," said Omar Alghanim, Chairman of INJAZ Kuwait. "The level of professionalism and dedication that these young entrepreneurs have shown are a testimony to their talent and perseverance. They are the bedrock of our future, and that future, is looking very encouraging."
These fledgling companies were entirely run by high school students, on similar principles as any professional organization in Kuwait. Using sound business practices and incorporating company missions and values, these miniature companies operated as actual business entities. Their direction and innovative strategy is an inspiration for the young Kuwaiti youth of today.
"What is so remarkable is that these students were able to operate their company according to actual business establishments, starting from incorporation of the business to managing the day-to-day requirements, to finally winding down the operation according to commercial procedures," added Alghanim. "The value of the practical experiences gained during this exercise will greatly benefit the young entrepreneurs in their future professional careers."
INJAZ students were taught the importance of implementing fiscal budgetary controls, dealing with different team members and managing the process of liquidating the company at the end of the program.
INJAZ Kuwait competition 'Battle of the Best 2' will bring these students together in a day-long event that will enable them to showcase their businesses in designated booths and present themselves effectively to Kuwait's professional community. It will also serve as a creative, educational and fun space for students to share and develop ideas. Each group will present their business plan to a panel of five judges, who will then evaluate the final presentations of each group. A first, second and third place will be respectively awarded to the top 3 companies.
In many respects, INJAZ has served as a platform for these Kuwaiti students to develop as entrepreneurs, and at the same time strengthen their leadership, interpersonal skills and ability to think analytically as a team. The knowledge and competence that they have gained as a part of INJAZ are invaluable, not only to them but also to Kuwait's future. As a part of their business strategy, these miniature companies have also donated 15-20% of their profit to various charities around Kuwait. INJAZ not only looks to create ambitious young entrepreneurs, but also wishes to lead them across industries through business ethics and social responsibility.
This competition illustrates the hard work and immense effort invested by these young entrepreneurs throughout the year as INJAZ Kuwait participants. "Our students have demonstrated their enthusiasm and commitment to the 'Battle of the Best' competition and have done extremely well to prepare for it," said Rana Kamshad, Executive Director of INJAZ Kuwait. Overall, we are delighted with the results achieved this year. I am sure that all of Kuwait will be eagerly awaiting to see the outstanding work these young Kuwaiti students bring forth at the competition."
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About INJAZ
Founded in 2005, Injaz Kuwait (Injaz) is a non-profit non-governmental organisation (NGO) driven by Kuwait's private sector.
Through strategic partnerships with Kuwait's business and education sectors, and with the help of qualified and dedicated volunteers, Injaz delivers educational programs on entrepreneurial and leadership skills. These programs are aimed at inspiring and educating the future generations.
Injaz is a member of the international non-profit NGO Junior Achievement Worldwide (JA). Currently operating in nearly 100 countries and reaching 7 million students annually, JA is the world's largest and fastest growing organisation that specializes in economic education.
As a member of JA, Injaz benefits from programs that efficiently link business principles to school curricula. Bringing together students, teachers, parents and members of the business community, Injaz is in a unique position to actively engage the Kuwaiti community in inspiring and educating future generations.
For additional information please contact:
Rana Kamshad
Media Relations Manager
Injaz Kuwait
Telephone: (+965) 299 7793
E-mail: dsabry@hillandknowlton.com.bh
Dina Sabry
Executive Director
Hill & Knowlton
Telephone: (+965) 232 2976
E-mail: ranakamshad@injaz-kuwait.org
© Press Release 2007
