ESF-Ambassador 2006 -  ESF-Ambassador 2005

ESF-ambassador 2006:
Appreciated for its excellent ESF-performance, the project RYS of the DBO was recognized as ESF-ambassador 2006. The award was handed over by the Flemisch Minister of Education and Training, Mr F. Vandenbroucke.
The jury especially rewarded the innovative character of the course 'Basic Knowledge of Business Management', developed within Rys.

Content:
Every year a lot of (in particular, starting) sole traders face bankruptcy due to commercial and managerial problems. Studies have shown that only half of the small and medium-sized enterprises can exist for more than five years. One of the reasons seems to be inadequate training at starting level.

In order to offer a solution to this problem, the DBO launched its RYS project in co-operation with UNIZO (Organisation of independent entrepreneurs) on February 1, 2002. This project fits into the framework of the European Social Fund's 3d Objective, main point 3.

Rys was designed for young vocational trainees and (starting) adult entrepreneurs.
The project's main objectives were:
    •To tune in the different training programmes within and out of education by using a common modular structure.
    •To provide help and support for trainers and/or counsellors.
    •To develop training packages with full ICT integration, specific content per sector and new teaching methods.
    •To develop a service document.
    •To provide assistance to reduce the number of bankruptcies.

This modern course is suitable for differentiated teaching to a group of participants from different study areas. It is built around key companies - nine from different sectors - which relate to the interests and vocational training of the students. The minimum curriculum needed to obtain the business management certificate, is offered within these fictitious, but realistic one-man companies.

The course is very simple and well-illustrated. When possible, websites are added where specific information can be found. Each chapter is concluded with a short summary and some revision questions. Some additional ICT-applications and the use of the RYS-website bring variety to the classes.

Specific teaching material has been worked out together with experienced teachers. It can be downloaded freely from www.rys.be. Copies for educational purposes are allowed

Project co-ordinator:
Paul Schram