When: May 31, 2010

Where:Pearson Convention Centre - Directions

Registration begins at 10 a.m.

10:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Change the life of an entrepreneur—in one day

An interactive, hands-on event for grade 8 to 10 students and teachers to learn how small business loans can make a big difference for entrepreneurs in developing countries. James Biss and Jennifer Mataitis, Erindale teachers and microfinance experts will introduce students to micro-credit—what it is, how it works, and how it can change the lives of real people across the world.

Getting connected

Students are placed in groups and provided a laptop with a $25 Kiva gift card. They will research an entrepreneur and country in the developing world and make their first micro-loan to someone of their choice.

What's the BIG idea? will:

• empower students to know they can make a difference in the wider world today
• engage students in the practice of microfinance as micro-lenders
• expose students to the complex histories and cultures often vastly different to their own
• introduce students to the possibilities of social entrepreneurship
• provide practical use of computer skills, in both navigating the Kiva website and using the internet in a research tool
• teach about basic business practices and economic principles

James Biss and Jennifer Mataitis are Global Studies teachers at Erindale Secondary School who have presented their workshop What's the BIG idea? to teachers and students all across Ontario. They regularly take trips to Africa in the summer to view the impact of sustainable development from the ground and have an amazing story to tell.

Admission is free, however transportation and supply coverage are not provided.

Here's how to register:  

• Register online by clicking on the above link and filling out the information.
• Each school is allowed to register a maximum of 8 students. If your school would like to bring additional students, you must fill out the additional team registration which can be found directly underneath the primary registration.
• Students must complete a permission form and return them to the school before the event.
• Register by May 20, 2010 to secure your class' spot at the conference.

Want to register more than one team?

• If you wish to register additional students, they will be added to a waiting list. You will be contacted following May 20 if there is space.

Event agenda (coming soon)

Questions? Contact Scott LaMantia at scott.lamantia@peelsb.com or call 905-890-1010, ext. 2098.