They Have Become Young Entrepreneurs!

11 teenagers from disadvantaged families assisted by the Romanian Foundation for Children, Community and Family started up a small business with 7,700 RON, as part of the project “I Want to Be an Entrepreneur!” carried out with the support of Autostrada Transilvania [Transylvania Motorway] Project.

After they learnt how to search for a job, to do an interview, to save money and draw up a business plan, the teenagers made Christmas cards that they sold to 20 Cluj-based companies. In December, the entrepreneurs-to-be received orders for 2,200 cards, all thanks to the presentations they delivered to Lions and Rotary clubs. The businessmen from Cluj embraced the proposition to buy cards and make a charitable gesture at the same time. 70% of the money raised will be used to support FRCCF-assisted children.

To celebrate these good results, an award ceremony was held where three students received 350 RON-prizes, five students received 250 RON-prizes and the other three, 150 RON-prizes. All the participants were handed out certificates. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the financer, of FRCCF, of Psihoselect and Danis Foundation.

Here are some thoughts of the teenagers who attended the entrepreneurship training :

It sometimes gave me the opportunity to get to know myself better . I loved the fact that we could put into practice what we had learnt and, honestly, I would very much like to live the same experience at least once more. (Diana, 15 years old)

I had the chance to speak my mind and to improve my social connections . (Lacri, 15 years old)

The awarding day was fantastic!!! I liked it how we organised ourselves. It was great!!! I would like it if there were other similar courses!” ( Andrei, 16 years old ).

After the success in Cluj, this type of project will also be implemented in rural communities this year.