Wawasan Open University (WOU) conducted a team-building workshop at the main campus today for the Form 4 students of Convent Green Lane (CGL) who are participating in the Young Enterprise (YE) programme.
WOU LECTURER DEEHBANJLI LAKSHMAYYA CONDUCTS THE WORKSHOP.
This is part of WOU’s effort in mentoring the students – otherwise known as Achievers – as the university is taking part in the YE programme for the second consecutive year.
Selected students from a total 15 secondary schools in Penang are competing in the YE programme, and they will learn how to run a company over a period of nine months with the help of the Advisors.
The WOU advisory team for CGL is led by lecturer Deehbanjli Lakshmayya from the School of Business and Administration (SBA) with members Poh Leong Tat (Marketing), Teoh Soo Ling (Communications), Tan Chia Yun (Finance) and Shangetha Silvamony (SBA).
DEEHBANJLI MOTIVATES THE STUDENTS.
The 26 students from CGL have formed the company, Athena – the name taken from the Greek goddess of civilisation, wisdom, strength, strategy, craft, justice and skills. The company logo is an olive tree.
The company will ‘manufacture’ refrigerator magnets and greeting cards, but there are plans to add recycled shopping bags to the list of products. Athena is taking an environment-friendly approach in line with the government’s call for no plastic bags and their logo, a tree.
The YE Advisors from WOU have provided input on the products and arranged for an eco-bag design workshop conducted by KDU Penang’s Design Department, apart from the team-building activity today.
LEARNING HOW TO DESIGN AN ECO BAG.
Through the YE programme, WOU is able to keep in touch with today’s youth while the mentoring process allows for staff development and sharing of knowledge, experience and resources with the students. The students in turn learn about time management, teamwork and how to get ahead in business the correct way by adhering to their morals with integrity and pride.
The main event is the YE Sales Fair at Queensbay Mall from July 25th to 26th. Athena will be liquidated on September 28th, and the official closing and prize-giving ceremony, complete with the exhibition of all the schools’ products, will be at the Annual Achievers Showcase on October 28th. Last year, the batch of Form 4 girls from CGL won for the Best Product category.
PUTTING FINAL TOUCHES TO THE FRIDGE MAGNETS.
Deehbanjli says, “This opportunity to give back to the community embodies well with the vision and mission of the university. Our team is very excited and committed to enabling CGL’s Athena to succeed.”
She hopes WOU continues to participate in the YE programme, which is incidentally into its 21st year, as it complements the university’s “corporate culture and identity as a not-for-profit educational institution”.
