Abu Dhabi, UAE, 21st March 2010- Students from Abu Dhabi Men’s College enjoyed a hard earned victory at the recent finale of the Barclays and INJAZ-UAE ‘B-inspired’ Innovation Day Camp, part of the ‘You can b!’ community investment programme.

The ‘You can b!’ Innovation Day Camp saw over 200 students in 40 teams from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai attend a series of workshops under the guidance of mentors from the private sector with students competing to find the most creative solution to a business challenge within a very tight deadline. The activity is designed to help the future generation of professionals understand the concept of entrepreneurship as well as develop their workplace skills. Students employ problem solving, financial, team work, communications and leadership skills culminating in a presentation judged by a panel of distinguished business leaders.

Sheikh Khalid Bin Zayed (Bin Saqer) Al Nehayan, Board Member of JA Worldwide, Chairman of Injaz Al Arab – UAE and Chairman and Founder of the Bin Zayed Group, who led the judging panel at the Camp Finale said, “The process within the Innovation Camp can inspire students to explore ideas and concepts they have never thought of before. It drives home the significance of teamwork, innovation and practicality – three critical skills that can make a future entrepreneur successful.”

The British Council organized the last of the 'You can b!' Innovation Camps held in early March, in support of its ‘Skills for Employability’ programme in partnership with Barclays Bank Plc and INJAZ-UAE. Dr. Patrick Brazier, Regional Director, Middle East, British Council, commented on this initiative, “Innovation and entrepreneurialism are critical skills in an increasingly globalised world. These young people were clearly inspired by this programme and it’s a great pleasure for the British Council, which links people around the world to have been able to support this excellent programme. Young people clearly have a great role in supporting the future growth of the UAE.”

Speaking about his own developmental journey, Ahmad Aref, a Grade 10 student from Al Ittihad Public School for Boys said, “We practised skills we need for everyday life, which complements our learnings from the classroom.”

The students’ efforts were supported by a dedicated team of corporate volunteers, who mentored each of the teams. After his first experience with the Innovation Day Camp, Ghalib Hafiz, a volunteer added, “Working with the students was quite rewarding- it was an unique opportunity. I enjoyed helping them tackle the business challenges and supporting them in their presentations. I was particularly impressed by their creativity, their computer skills as well as the discipline, energy and the confidence all participants displayed.”

The winning team of the ‘You can b!’ Innovation Day Camp received a scholarship to attend a global youth leadership programme with JA Worldwide. The winners will also be enrolled in the intensive JA Company Program®, which involves senior corporate volunteers helping individuals start-up their own company and run it.

The 3 teams of finalists will also be given the opportunity to visit Barclays office as part of the JA Job Shadow™programme.

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