CAIRO: Senior students from the British International School, Cairo, were awarded the top prize in a business enterprise competition that drew competitors from throughout the Middle East.
The British International School, Cairo (BISC) won through to the regional final, held in Amman, Jordan, by winning the Egyptian Injaz competition in April, which included older student teams studying business and marketing at university.
Teacher of business studies Eavan Zora said, “BISC students set up a company from scratch and succeeded in creating an excellent brand name.
“After their first TV advertisement, everyone was talking about Choco Republic. They created a real buzz, got people thinking, talking and eating chocolate which pushed the share price through the roof.
Injaz, which is the Arabic name behind the American Junior Achievement Award, is a worldwide organisation that promotes young entrepreneurs, pitting their product against competitors in the market place.
Nineteen students from the British International School, Cairo, launched their product to the school community. Selling shares in the company, Choco Republic, the students created an exciting advertising campaign, targeting the chocolate hot spots like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and school events.
Shareholders were rewarded with a 200 percent return on their investment.
Andrew Mackenzie, the co-link teacher with Zora, accompanied five of the BISC students to Amman, where they were guests at the World Economic Forum, said, “The judges were overwhelmingly impressed with the BISC team. They commented on their extraordinary communication skills, team work, branding and outstanding organization.
“The BISC students took full advantage of the opportunity to network. Injaz has name recognition and when our students add this to their university applications it will speak volumes about their abilities, experience and can-do attitude.
Possibly the biggest compliment a prospective entrepreneur can be given may be a job offer. Judges in Cairo offered just that.
“I would give these students a job tomorrow, was the comment most often heard at the competition at the Four Seasons Hotel in April, which propelled the BISC Choco Republic team to the Middle East finals.
Mackenzie said, “The experience for the students attending, not only the final competition, but the World Economic Forum as well, was invaluable.
“How incredible for BISC students to have the opportunity to attend a conference with King Abdullah II, the former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, Queen Rania of Jordan and even the Israeli Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni. It was great, the students saw it all and made the most of every minute.
“Apart from the politicians, more importantly, BISC students met business leaders from around the globe. From every kind of market, business leaders took time out to speak with the Injaz winners, offer advice and encourage them on to future endeavours, Mackenzie said.
Zora, who has been involved with similar student-led business initiatives in the UK said, “They came out winners, and deserved all the recognition that they received. An outstanding president led an outstanding team that made it to the very end of a tough competition.
The conquering students received a hero’s welcome, which is usually reserved for the victorious BISC sporting teams, on their return to Zamalek. It is only hoped that next year’s victory and the product will be just as sweet.
