Entrepreneurial learning in education systems essential for linking schools and the business sector

The EU funded project Entrepreneurial Learning in BiH Education Systems – Phase II saw its final conference and presentation of results on 12 February 2016 in Sarajevo.

During the last two years, the project has assisted with the implementation of the BiH 2011 to 2015 Strategy for Entrepreneurial Learning in Education Systems. It has also introduced the entrepreneurial learning in formal education based upon a cross-curricular approach at the International Standard Classification of Education Levels 2 and 3, as well as in non-formal education as a part of a lifelong entrepreneurial learning commitment to small and medium enterprises support.

“As it has been highlighted by the European Training Foundation, one of the main challenges in the countries of the region, is the lack of engagement by education authorities in promoting entrepreneurial learning, and particularly entrepreneurship as a key competence as well as weak intelligence on enterprise skills,” said Massimo Mina, Head of Operations Section for Social Development, Civil Society and Cross-Border Cooperation in the EU Delegation to BiH.

“With the successful implementation of this project, which is a continuation of the first Phase of the project, BiH education authorities have proven that they are much more advanced in this field compared to their neighbours,” Mina added.

Boris Ćurković, Team Leader of the Project highlighted the importance of assisting educational institutions with the entrepreneurial learning. “The project has developed the methodology and guidelines for introducing entrepreneurial learning in elementary and high schools and implementation of the methodology has started in almost ten percent of schools across the country“, Ćurković said.

Adnan Husić, representative of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH explained that the introduction of entrepreneurship in elementary and high schools implies a curricular approach, meaning that it is not to be studied as a special subject, but the focus is on how to get from the idea to the practical implementation, thus preparing students for their future careers.

Representatives of schools from across the country emphasised their satisfaction with the approach used in the project since the students have had the opportunity to get to know the practical work in various fields, helping them to develop their own ideas in different business fields.

The conference was attended by the representatives of relevant ministries, schools and other institutions involved in the education sector in BiH.

The European Union funded the project in the amount of 940,180 Euro from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA 2011). The Project was implemented by a Consortium consisting of EPRD Ltd. in cooperation with GOPA and ÖSB.

Europa.ba