Entrepreneurs’ show to empower youths

An event focused on entrepreneurship and organized by the Prince Salman Science Oasis (PSSO) attracted more than 100 students from different private and international schools in the capital on Thursday. The objective of the 11th TREP$ Marketplace held at Riyadh Avenue Mall (Lulu Hypermarket) is to empower young people with an entrepreneurial mindset that will benefit them in the future. It will also help them present themselves well at college and job interviews, encourage them to set goals and follow through, enable them to be creative employers and employees, and to live their life with open eyes and confidence. PSSO is affiliated with the Riyadh Philanthropic Society For Science, a nonprofit organization headed by Defense Minister Prince Salman. The program encompasses six after-school weekly workshops, each running for about 90 minutes. The workshops train students to set up their own stalls, where they can sell their hand-made products and fast food at a fair organized at one of the malls in the city. In the United States, the TREP$ program earned the 2006 New Jersey PTA President Champion For Children Award. PSSO’s Director of Programs Dr. Nabil Mohsen and P. K. Saleem, regional manager for Lulu, inaugurated the marketplace. Mir Umaid Ali, a Grade 5 student from the Middle East International School who was selling toys in his stall, told Arab News that it was a good opportunity for him to learn how to attract customers. “I am looking for another chance to participate in a similar show,” he added. The driving force behind the initiative was “education by entertainment” — PSSO’s ideology. It is a non-profit organization charged with developing an interactive science center. Through the science center and associated activities, PSSO aims to improve public awareness of science and promote scientific knowledge and its practical application for peace and benefit of mankind as a whole. “Our hope is to inspire people with the noble purpose of advancing scientific knowledge and technology in ways that respect cultural diversity and freedom,” Mohsen said. PSSO was established to supervise and guide the development of this project and provide necessary support at both private and government levels. The PSSO’s Chairman of the Executive Council is Prince Sultan bin Salman, secretary general of the Supreme Commission of Tourism and Antiquities. PSSO has served over 1,000 students through the TREP$ Program over the last couple of years. The TREP$ Marketplace concluded with the awards ceremony where the guest of honor was Dr. Khalid Taher, supervisor general of PSSO. Thanking the participants, Taher said PSSO provides unique programs to help children get knowledge and awareness that cannot be found anywhere else. PSSO will be opening its new office at King Abdullah Street soon.