A total of 18,941 students from 17 educational centres in the province of Almeria are receiving training this academic year to promote innovation and transformation of their environment through entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial culture. This line of action, in which 996 teachers are participating, is carried out through the CIMA Programme for Innovation and Improvement of Learning launched by the Regional Ministry of Educational Development and Vocational Training.
On the occasion of the European Day of SMEs on 12 May, the Regional Ministry highlights the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in the field of education and underlines the fundamental role that small and medium-sized enterprises play in the European economy, promoting economic growth and job creation.
The CIMA Programme includes objectives such as developing critical thinking and social responsibility, preparing students to be future leaders and entrepreneurs who can make a significant contribution to society and the economy. The aim is to empower students and train them to thrive in the challenges of a global market, to meet new social demands and permanent change, to generate a space for reflection, to encourage teamwork, communication and listening and to promote action through creativity, initiative, risk calculation and the assumption of failure in the process.
During the 2023/2024 academic year, the CIMA Programme collaborates with entities that promote SMEs such as the Andalusian Association of Family Businesses with its ‘Family Business in the Classroom’ programme, the Andalusian Public Foundation with ‘Andalucia Emprende’ or the Institute of Financial Studies in collaboration with CaixaBank Volunteering with the ‘Finance for Young People’ programme.
In addition, specific training is being offered to teachers in areas such as innovation in SMEs, digital entrepreneurship and market strategies, through teacher training courses such as ‘Development of Entrepreneurial Culture: Soft Skills in professionally-oriented education’, ‘Learn and Undertake’ or ‘I digitise myself in social entrepreneurship’, among others.