Y2BE Grand Finale Press Release
Erasmus+ Y2BE Project Comes to Emphatic And at Nightingale Academy.
The academy, which is also the coordinating school of this ambitious collaborative project on youth enterprise, hosted 70 students and teachers from 7 European countries in a 7-day long event in London.
Youth to Business Enterprise (Y2BE) is a multilateral Erasmus+ Key Action 2 partnership, which brought together students and school communities from a large variety of European regions. The partnership, which was founded and coordinated by Avni Aliaj, Head of Modern Languages and International Projects Co-ordinator at Nightingale Academy involved eight schools from: Spain, France, Turkey, Poland, Slovenia, Romania, Netherlands and the UK. This is a 3-year project aiming to explore the world of business and enterprise, with a ‘think globally, act locally’ perspective. Essentially, the Y2BE teams from each partner school received training and went through the process of devising a business idea, start up a company and draw a viable business plan, which would finally be presented to a high profile jury of successful business people, in a bid to win a number of awards, including the top ‘Winner of Y2BE Contest’ in London. Over the course of the project, each partner school were hosts to at least one week-long mobility meeting, during which teams of students were trained on a variety of aspects such as business leadership, market research, product design, marketing, finance, sales and negotiations and presentation skills. The business ideas included an array of imaginative products and services, such as local theme parks and leisure facilities, floating holiday homes on a local lake, insect-killing laser devices, bike riding apps, colour changing thermo-chromic gym tops, beach safety devices, cosmetic products and an employment app for restaurants and catering professionals.
Last week’s highly anticipated Y2BE Grand Finale in London marked the culmination of three years of hard work. The main event of the week was of course, the final presentations of their business plans at the imposing Westminster County Hall in front a panel of business professionals, chaired by the CEO of the 7 Billion Ideas, Mr David Harkin, as well as a large audience of guests, students and staff. The Y2BE teams showed exceptional confidence, presentation skills and business knowledge, especially during the ‘grilling’ time by the judges at the end of each presentation. At the end, after intense deliberation, Mr Harkin and his team of judges handed out awards to winners in 11 different categories, such as best business idea, best business plan, best marketing, best finance plan, best ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’ idea etc.
The suspense did not end there as the announcement for the top prize of winner of the Y2BE contest had to wait until the Y2BE stylish Gala Reception on Thursday evening. Our most prominent guest of the evening, the Deputy Mayor of London, Mrs Joanne McCartney finally revealed as winners the team from L’École Hôtellière de Paris for their catering employment app. The Mayor of Enfield, Clir Saray Karakus also attended the function and expressed her esteem for the project’s outcomes.
The entire week was a whirlwind of activities for guests and Nightingale students, who assumed their hosting role with a great sense of ownership, diligence and warmth. They merged together in ways only young people are capable of, annihilating any potential cultural or linguistic barrier, throughout the week. Activities included a team-building orienteering task in and around central London on public transport, a finance guided tour of the City of London, a river cruise dinner and party and several presentations and performances at school etc.
This is what some of the participants had to say, when asked to describe their experience:
I was fortunate enough to be part of the Y2BE Leadership team from the outset, and I can say with confidence it has been the most rewarding learning experience of my life. As part of the NTA Y2BE Leadership team I have visited Netherlands, Romania and Poland. The thing I am mostly amazed by is the fact that people from so many different places and cultures, speaking different languages are capable of coming together and producing something as special as this. Apart from the learning, it has also been an emotional rollercoaster. The weeks we’ve spent in each other’s company got us really close together, which often makes parting really hard. The highlight of the London mobility for me was the presentation of our business in front of the judges and many other people. Nothing seems to prepare you for something like this, where controlling your nerves seems the greatest challenge! But we did it, and we did it well!
Thank you, dziekuje, gracias , merci , tessekurler , hvala , multemesc , danke!!!
Julia Nycz 16, UK
All the hard work and involvement of myself and other Nightingale Academy students in the duration of these 3 wonderful years was worth it. Erasmus+ project has created a strong bond amongst students from all 8 schools involved in this project. The experiences have been so intense, they won’t be forgotten any time soon. I am delighted and extremely fortunate to have been part in this inspiring learning experience.
Claudia Vaduva 16, UK
As a part of hosting team of NTA ambassadors, I felt privileged to look after our guests, a role I took very seriously indeed. I had already visited Spain and Romania, and now I felt it was time to give something back to the project. The project has helped me develop my communication skills and cope in situations well out of my comfort zone. Now, I am a lot more confident and a lot self-conscious around new people, as a result.
Susan Arsu 17, UK
Tremendous! It’s truly astonishing to look back and remember how insignificant this project felt at the beginning and here saying our last goodbyes, my heart is breaking yet filled with joy to see how big this has become. I am enormously grateful for taking part in something so enriching. I will truly hold all the experiences in my memory and all the people in my heart.
Amanda Dos Santos Canazart 17, UK
Coming to London was a mesmerizing experience because I learned how to create my own business, how to talk in front of an audience with confidence or without being anxious and I met amazing people that taught me what being fearless really means. All the projects were interesting and helped me build a vision about a future business. The Y2BE project has given me so much knowledge and enabled me to gain build life changing skills and build long lasting friendships.
Maria Aboroencei 18, Romania
Being the last mobility, this was the best week I have ever had. I saw the city, I learned about the history of the city but the best thing about that experience is that I have made friends I will never forget.
I learned how to control my emotions better whilst speaking to an audience, and I learned what it takes to start a business. Visiting London was my dream, and now this is a dream come true.
Andreea Frentescu 17, Romania
Looking back 3 years ago I have further expanded my knowledge and understanding on business and enterprise due to being able to be a part of the entire 36 month programme. All of the trips overseas were both educational and fun! I've met - and made - many life long friends. It was a great experience to be a part of!
Bona Sola 16, UK
The mobility in London was amazing. It helped me become more confident when talking with people in English. I had the opportunity to visit a lot of really beautiful and well-known places in the capital of United Kingdom. I am so happy that I could take part in this mobility. This week was one of the best weeks in my life. I will never forget it.
Julia Depczyńska 15, Poland
The mobility in London was an amazing experience. It helped me to improve my English. I met a lot of new friends. I had a chance to explore London. I will never forget this beautiful city. This was the best week in my life and I am so happy I could take part in this mobility.
Magdalena Kędzior 15, Poland
The week I've spent in London was one of the best weeks in my life. Apart from learning how to start up a business and present a business idea, I had the opportunity to see a lot of English landmarks. It was a great experience. For me however, the most heart-warming part about this trip were people I've met. I've learnt about other countries, cultures and people I will never forget. I'm really happy and proud I was a part of this amazing project
Jowita Brewczyńska 16, Poland
This week in London was one of the best weeks in my life. It was a great time. I've met a lot of people from other countries and I could communicate with them in English. During these seven days I've learned a lot about business and finance. Now I have more knowledge and experience. I saw a lot of amazing buildings and beautiful places in this city. I had a good time there and I'm so happy and proud that I could take part in this mobility.
Julia Bęben 15, Poland
I feel really priviledged to have been part of this project for nearly 2 years. This has been an extremely rewarding experience for me on so many levels. I was lucky enough to spend one week in Paris last year, as part of the Nightingale Y2BE Marketing team, where I learned a great deal about new trends in marketing, and how to best promote a business. It was un unforgettable experience! This year, I was thrilled to be selected as Nightingale Ambassador during the London Grand Finale. This helped me a lot with developing my leadership and organisational skills, as well as coping under pressure. I am forever thankful for this amazing opportunity.
Seher Keskin 18, UK
It’s not just the metropolitan experience and top notch business presentations show but the overall experience of working, learning and enjoying together without barriers and prejudice that makes this week grandiose.
Darja Stražišnik
Teacher coordinator, Slovenia
We discovered so many London’s treasures and worked with as well as learned from other students who presented their business ideas. We were well fed and taken care of, the hospitality was amazing and even though we come from a smaller town in the countryside, we felt safe and well guided. The London grand finale was an amazing week, topped with 42nd street musical I will always keep in my memory.
Karin Kocbek Bratina 14, Slovenia
In a world of differences, prejudices and conflicts it's extremely satisfying to see that cultures can overcome them and make friends for a lifetime. The Y2BE project is a shining example of how to overcome personal differences and work together towards a common goal.
Onno Ter Sluis, Teacher
Netherlands
I won't forget anything about this experience, as everyday was as memorable as the next. I was able to meet a lot of people who become friends for a lifetime and it allowed me learn a lot about myself.
Rim Van Veldhuijsen 16, Netherlands
The ability to let us become friends out of thin air, with people we had never met before, is what makes us, us.
Kolja Winkler 16, Netherlands
Erasmus+ programmes in general and this project in particular represent what education is all about. The opportunities offered are unique in terms of the relevance of the learning process and its links with the real world. The Y2BE project is a fine example of how to enable powerful, relevant and memorable learning for life.
Aljoša Bradač, Headteacher
Slovenia
Definitely, the most incredible part of our trip to London has been to meet and work with so many people from so many countries, amazing!
Pablo Gonzales 17, Spain
I think that a very important part of our trip to London has been to discover the places of the city and do the planned activities, learning at the same time things from the business word and how it works.
Pedro Perez 17, Spain
Thanks to its perfect design and the excellent work of all partner countries, Y2BE the has managed to meet its objectives completely. Mobility to London has been the perfect closure for a successful project. To me, another important question has been the verification trough the project, that other ways of teaching students is not only possible, is absolutely effective. My congratulations and thanks to all the staff of the Nightingale Academy and their students for this unforgettable experience.
Eugenia Funes, Teacher coordinator
Spain
“I have to thank the English team for the dedication and effort reflected in each activity, the incredible organization and planning of each day. I believe that significant issues have been learned about the world of business, marketing, design, finance, etc... and the value of working as a team has been consolidated throughout the project. It has been a magnificent week where we have been able to assess the strength that young people have nowadays, when they propose something, and especially when they meet in groups and do things with enthusiasm.
Ana Gonzales, Teacher
Spain
The Erasmus+ Y2BE project has been a great opportunity for me to travel to different European countries and has given me the chance to work and interact with other students from so many nationalities. I believe learning about how to create a business will be very useful in the future. No words can describe how much I enjoyed it and I will remember it for the rest of my life!
Jean-Doumer 18, France
The Y2BE project has been an incredible journey for everyone involved, mainly thanks to a highly dedicated team of coordinating staff working well together, a strong and visionary leadership and its clear purpose and objectives. And of course, coming back to my school as winners of the Y2BE contest after London Grand Finale, is an added bonus and a fantastic reward for all the hard work students have put in over the last 3 years.
Elodie Cormierm Teacher coordinator
France
The academy, which is also the coordinating school of this ambitious collaborative project on youth enterprise, hosted 70 students and teachers from 7 European countries in a 7-day long event in London.
Youth to Business Enterprise (Y2BE) is a multilateral Erasmus+ Key Action 2 partnership, which brought together students and school communities from a large variety of European regions. The partnership, which was founded and coordinated by Avni Aliaj, Head of Modern Languages and International Projects Co-ordinator at Nightingale Academy involved eight schools from: Spain, France, Turkey, Poland, Slovenia, Romania, Netherlands and the UK. This is a 3-year project aiming to explore the world of business and enterprise, with a ‘think globally, act locally’ perspective. Essentially, the Y2BE teams from each partner school received training and went through the process of devising a business idea, start up a company and draw a viable business plan, which would finally be presented to a high profile jury of successful business people, in a bid to win a number of awards, including the top ‘Winner of Y2BE Contest’ in London. Over the course of the project, each partner school were hosts to at least one week-long mobility meeting, during which teams of students were trained on a variety of aspects such as business leadership, market research, product design, marketing, finance, sales and negotiations and presentation skills. The business ideas included an array of imaginative products and services, such as local theme parks and leisure facilities, floating holiday homes on a local lake, insect-killing laser devices, bike riding apps, colour changing thermo-chromic gym tops, beach safety devices, cosmetic products and an employment app for restaurants and catering professionals.
Last week’s highly anticipated Y2BE Grand Finale in London marked the culmination of three years of hard work. The main event of the week was of course, the final presentations of their business plans at the imposing Westminster County Hall in front a panel of business professionals, chaired by the CEO of the 7 Billion Ideas, Mr David Harkin, as well as a large audience of guests, students and staff. The Y2BE teams showed exceptional confidence, presentation skills and business knowledge, especially during the ‘grilling’ time by the judges at the end of each presentation. At the end, after intense deliberation, Mr Harkin and his team of judges handed out awards to winners in 11 different categories, such as best business idea, best business plan, best marketing, best finance plan, best ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’ idea etc.
The suspense did not end there as the announcement for the top prize of winner of the Y2BE contest had to wait until the Y2BE stylish Gala Reception on Thursday evening. Our most prominent guest of the evening, the Deputy Mayor of London, Mrs Joanne McCartney finally revealed as winners the team from L’École Hôtellière de Paris for their catering employment app. The Mayor of Enfield, Clir Saray Karakus also attended the function and expressed her esteem for the project’s outcomes.
The entire week was a whirlwind of activities for guests and Nightingale students, who assumed their hosting role with a great sense of ownership, diligence and warmth. They merged together in ways only young people are capable of, annihilating any potential cultural or linguistic barrier, throughout the week. Activities included a team-building orienteering task in and around central London on public transport, a finance guided tour of the City of London, a river cruise dinner and party and several presentations and performances at school etc.
This is what some of the participants had to say, when asked to describe their experience:
I was fortunate enough to be part of the Y2BE Leadership team from the outset, and I can say with confidence it has been the most rewarding learning experience of my life. As part of the NTA Y2BE Leadership team I have visited Netherlands, Romania and Poland. The thing I am mostly amazed by is the fact that people from so many different places and cultures, speaking different languages are capable of coming together and producing something as special as this. Apart from the learning, it has also been an emotional rollercoaster. The weeks we’ve spent in each other’s company got us really close together, which often makes parting really hard. The highlight of the London mobility for me was the presentation of our business in front of the judges and many other people. Nothing seems to prepare you for something like this, where controlling your nerves seems the greatest challenge! But we did it, and we did it well!
Thank you, dziekuje, gracias , merci , tessekurler , hvala , multemesc , danke!!!
Julia Nycz 16, UK
All the hard work and involvement of myself and other Nightingale Academy students in the duration of these 3 wonderful years was worth it. Erasmus+ project has created a strong bond amongst students from all 8 schools involved in this project. The experiences have been so intense, they won’t be forgotten any time soon. I am delighted and extremely fortunate to have been part in this inspiring learning experience.
Claudia Vaduva 16, UK
As a part of hosting team of NTA ambassadors, I felt privileged to look after our guests, a role I took very seriously indeed. I had already visited Spain and Romania, and now I felt it was time to give something back to the project. The project has helped me develop my communication skills and cope in situations well out of my comfort zone. Now, I am a lot more confident and a lot self-conscious around new people, as a result.
Susan Arsu 17, UK
Tremendous! It’s truly astonishing to look back and remember how insignificant this project felt at the beginning and here saying our last goodbyes, my heart is breaking yet filled with joy to see how big this has become. I am enormously grateful for taking part in something so enriching. I will truly hold all the experiences in my memory and all the people in my heart.
Amanda Dos Santos Canazart 17, UK
Coming to London was a mesmerizing experience because I learned how to create my own business, how to talk in front of an audience with confidence or without being anxious and I met amazing people that taught me what being fearless really means. All the projects were interesting and helped me build a vision about a future business. The Y2BE project has given me so much knowledge and enabled me to gain build life changing skills and build long lasting friendships.
Maria Aboroencei 18, Romania
Being the last mobility, this was the best week I have ever had. I saw the city, I learned about the history of the city but the best thing about that experience is that I have made friends I will never forget.
I learned how to control my emotions better whilst speaking to an audience, and I learned what it takes to start a business. Visiting London was my dream, and now this is a dream come true.
Andreea Frentescu 17, Romania
Looking back 3 years ago I have further expanded my knowledge and understanding on business and enterprise due to being able to be a part of the entire 36 month programme. All of the trips overseas were both educational and fun! I've met - and made - many life long friends. It was a great experience to be a part of!
Bona Sola 16, UK
The mobility in London was amazing. It helped me become more confident when talking with people in English. I had the opportunity to visit a lot of really beautiful and well-known places in the capital of United Kingdom. I am so happy that I could take part in this mobility. This week was one of the best weeks in my life. I will never forget it.
Julia Depczyńska 15, Poland
The mobility in London was an amazing experience. It helped me to improve my English. I met a lot of new friends. I had a chance to explore London. I will never forget this beautiful city. This was the best week in my life and I am so happy I could take part in this mobility.
Magdalena Kędzior 15, Poland
The week I've spent in London was one of the best weeks in my life. Apart from learning how to start up a business and present a business idea, I had the opportunity to see a lot of English landmarks. It was a great experience. For me however, the most heart-warming part about this trip were people I've met. I've learnt about other countries, cultures and people I will never forget. I'm really happy and proud I was a part of this amazing project
Jowita Brewczyńska 16, Poland
This week in London was one of the best weeks in my life. It was a great time. I've met a lot of people from other countries and I could communicate with them in English. During these seven days I've learned a lot about business and finance. Now I have more knowledge and experience. I saw a lot of amazing buildings and beautiful places in this city. I had a good time there and I'm so happy and proud that I could take part in this mobility.
Julia Bęben 15, Poland
I feel really priviledged to have been part of this project for nearly 2 years. This has been an extremely rewarding experience for me on so many levels. I was lucky enough to spend one week in Paris last year, as part of the Nightingale Y2BE Marketing team, where I learned a great deal about new trends in marketing, and how to best promote a business. It was un unforgettable experience! This year, I was thrilled to be selected as Nightingale Ambassador during the London Grand Finale. This helped me a lot with developing my leadership and organisational skills, as well as coping under pressure. I am forever thankful for this amazing opportunity.
Seher Keskin 18, UK
It’s not just the metropolitan experience and top notch business presentations show but the overall experience of working, learning and enjoying together without barriers and prejudice that makes this week grandiose.
Darja Stražišnik
Teacher coordinator, Slovenia
We discovered so many London’s treasures and worked with as well as learned from other students who presented their business ideas. We were well fed and taken care of, the hospitality was amazing and even though we come from a smaller town in the countryside, we felt safe and well guided. The London grand finale was an amazing week, topped with 42nd street musical I will always keep in my memory.
Karin Kocbek Bratina 14, Slovenia
In a world of differences, prejudices and conflicts it's extremely satisfying to see that cultures can overcome them and make friends for a lifetime. The Y2BE project is a shining example of how to overcome personal differences and work together towards a common goal.
Onno Ter Sluis, Teacher
Netherlands
I won't forget anything about this experience, as everyday was as memorable as the next. I was able to meet a lot of people who become friends for a lifetime and it allowed me learn a lot about myself.
Rim Van Veldhuijsen 16, Netherlands
The ability to let us become friends out of thin air, with people we had never met before, is what makes us, us.
Kolja Winkler 16, Netherlands
Erasmus+ programmes in general and this project in particular represent what education is all about. The opportunities offered are unique in terms of the relevance of the learning process and its links with the real world. The Y2BE project is a fine example of how to enable powerful, relevant and memorable learning for life.
Aljoša Bradač, Headteacher
Slovenia
Definitely, the most incredible part of our trip to London has been to meet and work with so many people from so many countries, amazing!
Pablo Gonzales 17, Spain
I think that a very important part of our trip to London has been to discover the places of the city and do the planned activities, learning at the same time things from the business word and how it works.
Pedro Perez 17, Spain
Thanks to its perfect design and the excellent work of all partner countries, Y2BE the has managed to meet its objectives completely. Mobility to London has been the perfect closure for a successful project. To me, another important question has been the verification trough the project, that other ways of teaching students is not only possible, is absolutely effective. My congratulations and thanks to all the staff of the Nightingale Academy and their students for this unforgettable experience.
Eugenia Funes, Teacher coordinator
Spain
“I have to thank the English team for the dedication and effort reflected in each activity, the incredible organization and planning of each day. I believe that significant issues have been learned about the world of business, marketing, design, finance, etc... and the value of working as a team has been consolidated throughout the project. It has been a magnificent week where we have been able to assess the strength that young people have nowadays, when they propose something, and especially when they meet in groups and do things with enthusiasm.
Ana Gonzales, Teacher
Spain
The Erasmus+ Y2BE project has been a great opportunity for me to travel to different European countries and has given me the chance to work and interact with other students from so many nationalities. I believe learning about how to create a business will be very useful in the future. No words can describe how much I enjoyed it and I will remember it for the rest of my life!
Jean-Doumer 18, France
The Y2BE project has been an incredible journey for everyone involved, mainly thanks to a highly dedicated team of coordinating staff working well together, a strong and visionary leadership and its clear purpose and objectives. And of course, coming back to my school as winners of the Y2BE contest after London Grand Finale, is an added bonus and a fantastic reward for all the hard work students have put in over the last 3 years.
Elodie Cormierm Teacher coordinator
France