Angola

Launch of Entrepreneurship programme

Luanda, 11 December 2008 - The Angola Ministry of Education will start introducing, as from 2009, in the secondary education curriculum an "Entrepreneurship programme" aimed at promoting and developing the entrepreneurial capacity among studying youths, as well as the combat to poverty.

The implementation of this programme shall result from the accord signed this Wednesday, in Luanda, among the Ministry of Education, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

The agreement was signed by the Education Deputy Minister for Education Reform, Pinda Simao, the Deputy Country Director for Programmes of UNDP, Alfredo Teixeira and by the Regional Director of UNIDO, Stefano Bologna.

At the occasion, the Deputy Minister Pinda Simao affirmed that the programme will aid implement the Ministry's intention to improve the education quality, and turn them more practical and fitting to the desires of Angolan youths.

According to the official, its implementation in the secondary education system (from the 7th to the 13th grade) also aims at promoting the self-trust of students with regards to the business world and increase firms that enable the sustainability of the Angolan private sector, as well its role in the fight against poverty.

In a first phase, the project shall implement and introduce entrepreneurial education programmes in 30 secondary schools, in nine provinces, covering 3,200 students and 60 teachers.

To the Deputy Country Director of UNDP in Angola, Alfredo Teixeira, the execution of this agreement plays an importance role in Angola's development process, mainly for the improvement of the education quality.