Disadvantaged communities anywhere in the world benefit from more education opportunities for youths.
This is especially true about teaching entrepreneurship because local businesses can have a huge impact in leading innovation, creating jobs, and starting economic development. These enhancements, in turn, lead to community development and happier and healthier citizens.
It is unfortunate that in so many corners of the world, children are shut out of learning experiences and diverse educational opportunities due to the disenfranchisement of their home communities. The disadvantages of poverty can be difficult to escape even much later in life.
The Importance of Entrepreneurship
Our global economy is fueled by innovation derived from brilliant minds from all walks of life. Entrepreneurs are often visionaries whose impact exceeds the businesses they are a part of as they go on to affect the lives of their employees, the capacity of communities, and the pathways forward for generations to come.
Entrepreneurs impact economic growth and wealth generation of their communities, regions, and the markets in which they operate. By creating novel sources of profit generation, entrepreneurs not only feed their own bottom line but also provide jobs that broaden the tax base and feed communities.
Why We Should Teach Entrepreneurship to Disadvantaged Youths
The characteristics needed for entrepreneurship are synonymous with the kinds of traits found in most children, particularly those in lower-income communities: curiosity and the ability to think outside the box.
The disadvantage of poverty itself has also been found to be a foundational element that can contribute to the skillset of burgeoning entrepreneurs.
However, all of this potential goes untapped if there are no resources and educational support to facilitate the development of youths towards a positive outcome.
Fundación Axcel and Technology Hub
Fundación Axcel A.C. is an arm of Technology HUB that promotes entrepreneurial skills and proactive learning in youths through FabLab. FabLab leverages innovative educational opportunities with proactive learning, problem-solving, and the creative use of technologies in experimentation.
FabLab is an open community of creators, scientists, artists, educators, students, and professionals in over 100 countries, and operates as an after-school program.
At FabLab Juarez, children can experiment with advanced machinery to learn about technology, and create and innovate. In 2019, 115 students graduated from the FabLab program, where they carried out a “Makers” project which gave them training in the use of 3D printers.
In 2020, FabLab de Juarez got involved in 3D printing masks and protective visors to support front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This group developed royalty-free mask prototypes and held fundraisers for supplies.
Fundación Axcel provides workshops in laser cutting, robotics for children ages 6-11, web programming, carpentry, architecture, and engineering. Their services also include design workshops, developing digital tools, consulting and development for entrepreneurs, consulting in the creation of models and prototypes, and using digital tools for production.
Estimates indicate that hundreds of millions of new jobs will need to be created in the next 25 years. This means that we are more in need of entrepreneurs than ever to support our growing global population with new businesses and enterprises.
Fundación Axcel is supported by its parent company, Technology Hub, along with its many generous supporters. If you are interested in getting involved with Fundación Axel as a supporter or a participant, we would love to hear from you.
