Wittenborg Educators Launch Volunteer Initiative to Support Ir. Lely Lyceum Learners

03.12.2024

Staff and Students Collaborate with Ir. Lely Lyceum in Amsterdam East to Foster Entrepreneurial Skills

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences is working closely with learners from Ir. Lely Lyceum, a technical high school in Amsterdam South East, to help them explore and develop their entrepreneurial skills. Under the mentorship of Wittenborg Senior Lecturer Amy Abdou, Assistant Professor Dr Isaac Adu Acheampong and a team of enthusiastic student volunteers, these learners are being guided to turn their innovative ideas into actionable projects.

Amsterdam South East is known for its vibrant diversity, housing nearly 89,000 people representing over 130 nationalities as of 2022. However, the area also faces significant challenges, including the highest unemployment rate in the city at 6.9% and a lack of sustainable support for aspiring entrepreneurs. While past initiatives by the Amsterdam City Council aimed to create opportunities for start-ups, many were not able to deliver lasting results. There is now a recognised need to focus on equipping young people with the mindset and skills to thrive in today's world.

The Angels Den Programme

One initiative addressing this need is the Angels Den Entrepreneurial Skills Programme, a collaboration between Wittenborg and IES Abroad. This programme introduces learners to the Entrepreneurial Mindset (EM), which focuses on fostering creativity, critical thinking and the ability to recognise opportunities. By building on the learners’ existing ideas, the programme helps them gain practical skills and confidence to pursue their goals.

Wittenborg’s student volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the learners. Among them is Anthony Daniyan, a Business Management student, who shared his motivation for participating:

“I was inspired to volunteer because this programme is not just about teaching entrepreneurial skills – it’s about building confidence, fostering creativity, and empowering young minds to see the possibilities around them. The chance to work with learners from diverse backgrounds and help them turn their ideas into tangible solutions resonated with my own passion for mentorship and community engagement.”

During the programme’s first session, learners participated in a SWOT analysis to explore their strengths and opportunities. Their aspirations were diverse and inspiring, ranging from launching a tutoring business to help struggling students, to building a personal brand as a professional footballer. One learner shared a vision of starting a pharmaceutical company to cure cancer, while another aimed to create a candy business.

“Witnessing their creativity and determination as they shared their ideas was unforgettable,” Anthony added. “It reinforced why initiatives like this are so important.”

Acheampong also expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers: “We are thankful to Wittenborg Business Management student volunteers Yasaman Mollazadeh, Ava Singh, Grace Wei, Solomon Onu Audu, Anthony Daniyan and Lincoln Islam who are prepared to coach these young, talented future entrepreneurs.”