Kanoo Pays: Empowering the Next Generation through the SYNC Junkanoo Entrepreneurship Program
At Kanoo, we’re all about innovation, culture, and empowering youth! That’s why we’re hugely excited to have partnered with the U.S. Embassy in Nassau to launch the SYNC (Science, Youth, Nation Building & Culture) Junkanoo Entrepreneurship Program. This innovative initiative goes beyond just a program; it’s an opportunity for young Bahamians to unleash their creativity, discover the science behind their heritage, and transform their passions into successful businesses.
STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are hot commodities in the Caribbean job market, but fewer than 15% of the region’s graduates are trained in these areas. That’s where SYNC comes in, creating a fun and engaging space for 50 dynamic young people aged 15 to 18 to mix Junkanoo artistry with modern STEM and entrepreneurial magic. With support from inspiring mentors, they brought their wildest designs to life using 3D printing technology while picking up essential business skills.
The grand finale was marked by a spectacular showcase and awards ceremony at the University of The Bahamas, where students wowed a panel of judges with their 3D-printed creations. The event was electric. It was a celebration of hard work, perseverance, and creativity. Our CEO, Keith Davies, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish, and Bahamian government officials were all in attendance to honor the participants’ achievements. Ms. Furnish’s motivational words about passion and persistence resonated with everyone, inspiring young entrepreneurs that failure is a stepping stone to success.
But the journey doesn’t end there! The winning team from the final competition will soon jet off on an all-expenses-paid STEM college tour in the U.S., exploring new horizons in science, technology, and entrepreneurship. It’s the adventure of a lifetime for these rising stars, and we can’t wait to see where it takes them!
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