Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) Programme of the German Commission for UNESCO and PH NatCom

PH NatCom and German Commission for UNESCO explore Partnership for the Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion Programme

Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) Programme of the German Commission for UNESCO and PH NatCom
Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) Programme of the German Commission for UNESCO and PH NatCom

The Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) program training for designated teachers of the Bicol University commenced in June 2019 through the joint initiative of the German and the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO (PH NatCom), otherwise known as UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM), Leuphana University and BASF Foundation. STEP aims to equip university students from multi-disciplinary backgrounds with the relevant entrepreneurial, employable, and soft skills towards businesses management in their respective communities. The STEP program selects and supports developing countries across the globe; the program has since been implemented in ten countries, including Kenya, Uganda, and Mexico. In 2018, STEP imparted advanced entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to more than 700 students of Bicol University (BU) who are entrepreneurial and non-entrepreneurial majors. In the first year implementation of the three-year Programme that will end in 2020, PH NatCom facilitated, coordinated, and documented the Train-the-Trainer activity of Leuphana University at Bicol University in September 2018. PH NatCom also organized, documented and promoted the launching and closing sessions of the STEP implementation in the Bicol University. This ensured the participation of partners, including representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA). PH NatCom also promoted the programme and disseminated materials and other relevant information regarding STEP and collaborated with STEP partners for online presence for the Programme activities and milestones. The Commission continues to advocate for the long-term implementation of STEP towards integration in local curriculum with the support of the trifocal education agencies. Year 2 opening ceremony will be held in BU in the second semester of 2019 where more than 200 students of the University are expected to attend.