9 out of 10 parents would be satisfied with the introduction of an entrepreneurship education module in schools since childhood
- 87% of parents believe that an entrepreneurship education course in school would be of interest to children, while 67% say that their sons or daughters want their own business;
- Money management, the desire for learning and healthy self-esteem are among the benefits of an entrepreneurial education module in schools, ideally taught through games, camps and video content;
- Benefits for Romania: increasing the professional level of employees (63%), modernization and accelerated digitization (61%) and improving working conditions (46%).
The public policy initiative group VERTIK and Kidprenor, together with the Ministry of Education, in partnership with Reveal Marketing Research, have completed the national study among parents on preparing children for life through practical school and extracurricular activities from childhood, with emphasis on the importance of acquiring entrepreneurial and financial skills.
The study was conducted in support of the initiative to include in schools an entrepreneurial education module by the Ministry of Education in 2023, following the dialogue initiated with the Secretary of State for Pre-university Education, Sorin Ion and the Minister’s Advisor, Radu Szekely, as well as the public debate organized on May 31, under the name “Learned child or child prepared for life” , at the initiative of Daniela Serban, co-founder of VERTIK, and Valentin Maior, co-founder of Kidprenor.
Introducing entrepreneurship education in schools
91% of respondents say they are satisfied with the introduction of a module aimed at entrepreneurship education in schools, and 87% consider that such a course would be of interest to children.
The main benefits gained from the entrepreneurship education module
Parents expect that an entrepreneurial education module will develop their children’s ability to manage money (92%), to arouse their desire to learn (92%) and to contribute to a healthy self-esteem (91%). Children would also become more responsible (63%), with economic initiative (54%) and more creative (51%).
Ways of delivery of the module
Interactive games (88%), camps (85%) and video content (79%) are considered to be the most effective forms of material delivery in entrepreneurship education in the opinion of parents.
Experience in entrepreneurship
67% of respondents say their sons or daughters want their own business, while 52% say their children have had activities to make money.
The children of those who had entrepreneurial initiatives had a significantly higher proportion of activities through which to obtain money, 66%, as opposed to those who did not have their own business, 41%. According to the data obtained, only 37% of the respondents consider themselves informed or very informed when it comes to entrepreneurship, although 43% of the total say that they have, had or intended to have their own business.
The idea of an entrepreneur, perceptions and importance. The professional future of children
Entrepreneurship is mainly associated with decision-making power (84%), innovation (74%) and risk (71%). 75% of the parents surveyed consider their children suited to have their own business when they grow up. Moreover, the results reflect what they want for their children’s future, namely 76% of parents want a career in entrepreneurship or freelance for their children.
In fact, the children of entrepreneurs had a significantly higher proportion of activities through which to obtain money (66%), as opposed to those who did not have their own business (41%).
The role of SMEs at macroeconomic level
With the growth of their parents in age, they believe that more SMEs are needed to increase employment and offer competitive products in response to customer needs. Also, people who have had initiatives in entrepreneurship, support the importance and role of SMEs in Romania for economic development.
Parents believe that if we invest in children’s education, in the future, the professional level of employees would be higher (63%), Romania would be more modern and digitized (61%) and overall working conditions would be better (46%).
Conclusions of the study
Following the study, four fundamental aspects of the opinions of both parents and children regarding entrepreneurship were highlighted. First of all, parents are very open towards entrepreneurial education of their children. The same interest arises in the case of the little ones when asked about education and entrepreneurial activities. Secondly, important skills are developed in professional life: responsibility, economic initiative and creativity. Respondents also believe that SMEs are the basis of the country’s economy and that they increase employment.
The study was conducted by Reveal Marketing Research, through the CAWI method (computer assisted web interviews) on a sample of 830 respondents, at national, urban level, among internet users, at the end of 2021. The partners of VERTIK and Kidprenor in this project are eMag and Simon&Partners Real Estate Advisors.
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About Vertik Association
VERTIK for the Future is an initiative group in public policies, founded by Daniela Serban, which aims to outline a long-term vision for Romania, starting from its competitive advantages, its high added value potential and their integration into international opportunities.
About Kidprenor Academy
Kidprenor is an entrepreneurship education program for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Through interactive online courses and a set of materials to the taste of any child: print, audio and video, it lays the conceptual foundations and train the mindset while guiding your child from exploring passions to turning them into business ideas.
About Reveal Marketing Research
Reveal Marketing Research is a full-service market research company, specialized in marketing research, sociological studies, customer insight, business strategy, market development. With expertise in over 20 industries, Reveal Marketing Research believes that market research is the basis for the right decisions and brand positioning. Qualitative and quantitative solutions have been helping companies in Romania and Europe for 13 years.