How it works
In our approach, we focus on the proven innate creativity of children, using it to tackle entrepreneurial challenges. With AdoptIDee, we aim to introduce pupils to the world of entrepreneurship at an early age, thereby contributing to the social cohesion of neighbourhoods, villages and cities. To do this, we adopt a pathway that has proven its effectiveness over the years.
AdoptIDee Concept
Opening
The opening is the formal beginning of the edition. It is preferable that it takes place in a building accessible to the public, because we want to be visible and part of society. At the opening there is the first contact between the lecturer and the entrepreneur who will work together for the duration of the project. The exchange of data and contacts is the basis for the next steps.
Further knowledge and formulation of the challenge
The aim of this phase is for the entrepreneur and the teacher to meet in the company for a further presentation. It is important for the teacher to get an idea of the company's activities and for this purpose a visit with an explanation of the company's activities is planned. Together, the entrepreneur and the teacher formulate a challenge. The entrepreneur explains the problem from the company's perspective and context. The teacher's role is to ‘translate’ the problem statement to the chosen group of students, where the challenge can be adapted accordingly to the target group.
Company visit and presentation
During this phase, the young people are introduced to the entrepreneur they have adopted. They are shown the problem they have to work on creatively and help the entrepreneur. This takes place on the entrepreneur's premises so that the young people can get to know the company from the inside. Through the visit and explanation by the entrepreneur of the company's activities (what, how, why and for whom) and processes (who does what, how and why), the children understand the context of the challenge to be solved.
Student work in the classroom
During four half days, the students, divided into groups of four or five, devote themselves to developing a solution to the proposed challenge. They follow the design thinking method, which includes steps such as brainstorming, idea selection, solution development and presentation through a digital pitch. Digital teaching materials are provided to guide both students and teachers along the way.
Participation of entrepreneurs in the classroom
The entrepreneur visits the class to listen to the groups' proposals and projects. He offers feedback, advice and suggestions to the students.
Final Event
The culmination of the project is the final event, which takes the form of a dynamic marketplace. During this day, the students present their solutions to the public. Each entrepreneur has a stand where they present their challenges and solutions. This final day is open to the public to promote the connection between residents, education and entrepreneurs in the region through AdoptIDee.