Cameroon’s commitment to nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset from early childhood took center stage today as the Minister of SMEs, Achille Bassilekin III, visited the Bilingual and Entrepreneurial Primary School Les Petits Génies+ in Yaoundé.
This visit was part of the activities marking the 7th Edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), celebrated nationwide under the leadership of the Ministry of SMEs, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA).
Accompanied by a team of senior officials, the Minister immersed himself in a school environment unlike any other—an institution where entrepreneurship is not just taught but lived daily by young learners.
A School That Goes Beyond Traditional Education
At Les Petits Génies+, pupils are exposed to a rich variety of practical disciplines such as agriculture, livestock, robotics, ICT, media production, and communication. These activities enable children to experience creativity, innovation, and self-confidence while developing real-world skills.
The Minister praised this unique educational model, noting that such early exposure equips children with the capacity to identify problems and propose innovative solutions—skills that are vital to addressing the challenge of unemployment in the long term.
A Strong Message to the Youth
Addressing the young learners, Minister Bassilekin III encouraged them to stay curious, think boldly, and believe in their potential as future creators of value.
He highlighted the importance of fostering a generation capable of offering solutions—whether through products or services—to drive Cameroon’s economic transformation.
A Visionary Institution at the Service of Innovation
Erik Lindou, the visionary promoter of the school, reaffirmed the institution’s mission through a bold statement that reflects its educational philosophy:
“Here, we teach children to turn their skills into income-generating activities. A child trained at Petit Génie is equal to a business.”
This philosophy resonates powerfully with the goals of GEW: to inspire, empower, and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
A Real Incubator of Talent
What unfolded today was more than a ministerial visit—it was a celebration of the future of entrepreneurship in Cameroon.
Les Petits Génies+ stands as a living example of how early entrepreneurial education can ignite ambition, creativity, and confidence among young minds.
As Global Entrepreneurship Week continues, this inspiring moment reinforces a national conviction: Cameroon’s future will be shaped by empowered youth and innovative thinkers—starting from the classroom.