As they launched their first ever business enterprise sale and sold products at Lulu hypermarket in Al-Khobar, it was a night the 80 boys and girls from Al-Khozama International School, Dammamm would never forget. All the products were developed, marketed and sold by the students, aged between eight and 15. The show was organized by the Al-Khozama school along with TREP$ Middle East – an organization based in Riyadh that provides marketplace workshops for children. The official inauguration was done by Abdul Basheer, Regional Director of Lulu hypermarket in Al-Khobar, and he was accompanied by Peevees Group of Schools' Academic Director M.C. Sebastian; General Manager of Lulu, Hashim; Principal of Al-Khozama school Sreedevi Menon; Razi Shaikpareeth; TREP$ representative Gopi Menon; Ehsan and a host of other distinguished guests, school staff members and parents of students. “The human mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. This was sole purpose behind the TREP$ program. This is an initiative to introduce children to the wider arena of business and learn various tactics like identifying a suitable business plan, fixing the price, marketing strategies, customer relations, profit making etc. It is amazing to see them trying all these techniques to win over their customers,” remarked Sreedevi Menon, Principal of Al Khozama International School. “The training has given a shy person like me a lot of confidence, to interact with the customers. I feel on top of the world and ready to fly at the market place. I have earned a lot and learned a lot. This has certainly been an awesome experience,” remarked one excited grade 10 student, Samreen Akbar Sheikh. “We cannot thank Mr. Ehsan and Mr. Rafi, our trainers, and our dear Al-Khozama school enough for giving us this wonderful opportunity through the workshop. We went through many challenges that got us ready for the market place. The TREP$ marketplace at Lulu Hypermarket was a huge event and many young entrepreneurs bagged a lot of prizes. We want all our friends to join this program,” said young grade eight entrepreneurs Shreya Rao and Mellisa Bino Jacob. “We were 80 young entrepreneurs of today, looking like the businessmen of tomorrow. At 6.20 P.M. we were ready with our products, eagerly waiting for customers. Soon we witnessed large numbers of customers queuing up at our stalls. Products like ice cream, juices, pickles, handicrafts, eco-friendly toys were soon sold like hot cakes. I thank the TREP$ team and all my teachers for giving us a chance like this,” said Ajay Nair of grade seven. “I gained practical experience in business and marketing and interacted freely with all my customers. I appeal to my school to initiate similar such events in the future,” added Tariq Abdul Rahman of grade nine. At the closing ceremony at 9.15 P.M., Abdul Basheer emphasized the necessity of entrepreneurial skills and offered praise for the skills and confidence of the participants. Sebastian reiterated the value of learning differently and said that students need to be taken out of classrooms for better learning. Menon lauded the parents' community for their support and also acknowledged her gratitude to the Lulu group for providing the students with a platform to showcase their talent. Mementos and certificates were awarded to the children and staff associated with this program. Lulu sponsored the Best Entrepreneurship Award. The head girl of the school, Jeane, introduced the guests and the vote of thanks was proposed by Elita.
