The Youth Power Lunch 2008, an initiative of the Study and Career fair Curaçao, under auspices of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Curaçao, which took place on Friday 4th of July was a great success. The most successful and exemplary students enjoyed an extended lunch at the Penthouse of the Plaza Hotel. At many tables, vibrant conversations took place with the role models and sponsors who where present at the lunch.

 

Opening remarks were made by Ruud Thuis, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Curaçao Ruud Thuis. He congratulated the students with their achievements and wished them success with the ‘competition’ in the upcoming school year. After the introduction, speeches followed by Cedric Sprock of Cafe Barista and keynote speaker Rustico de Jesus, financial director of ddFoodSolutions in Miami. Sprock and De Jesus both discussed the theme of the lunch and Study and Career Fair, which is The Young Entrepreneur.

 

Success

Sprock stressed that the quest for quality is more important in order to obtain success than owning a lot of money. “If you put the quest for quality in front of owning a lot of money, you are guaranteed to obtain success. You have to be ambitious, social and an optimist and have a clear vision. Make sure you have a good plan. Whether you are an employee or an entrepreneur”, Sprock said.

 

De Jesus also spoke about the conditions for success after a short history about the culinary business he started in Miami with a group of people from Curaçao. In order to succeed in life, you should continuously show intelligence, commitment and a great dedication to your work, said De Jesus, a former student of the Radulphus College. ddFoodSolutions has become one of the most important suppliers of microwave meals, diets and complete menus in America.

 

 

 

One of the highlights of the fundraising lunch was the hand out of the Coca Cola Scholarship, given by marketing manager Myrthe Verhulst of the Curaçao Beverage Bottling Company. The scholarship was given to the 26-year-old Janella Mook, who received her diploma at the Frater Aurelio SBO. Mook received the scholarship because she is able to combine her tasks as a mother of a 7-year-old boy with an education. Coca Cola has given her the possibility to study Accountancy at the UNA.

 

All participant of the Youth Power Lunch received a photograph at the end of the lunch as a reminder of the fundraising lunch, made by photographer and graphic designer PitoPolo, who was also present as a role model and the designer of the invitations and badges.

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsors

The Youth Power Lunch was made possible by Rotary Club Willemstad, Korpodeko, Curaçao Beverage Bottling Company, Maduro & Curiel’s Bank, KLM, Irvita and Quena Plant Protection, Bistro Le Clochard, Ennia, Aqualectra, RBTT, Fatum, Total Services, CHATA, El Tributo, New India Assurance, Spigthoff Advocaten en Belastingadviseurs, Wasserij Korsow, Cafe Barista, Plaza Hotel and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Curaçao.

 

The proceeds are designated for organising activities for the 15th Study- and Career fair on 12 and 13 November in the World Trade Centre. Because the fundraising lunch was such a big succes, it will be repeated when the Study and Career Fair is held.