In a fast-evolving job market, Tereora College students are increasingly seeking ways to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.

The Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce and Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) YES programme has begun as a transformative initiative, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to gain invaluable real-world experience in starting and developing their own business.

With hands on training, mentorship from industry experts, and access to resources, this programme not only equips students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive market but also encourages innovation and creativity among the next generation of business leaders.

The YES programme takes students on a journey of starting and developing a business to give them life practice before entering the workforce or continuing their studies.

Yesterday morning, 45 Year 12 business students from Tereora College participated in the Kickstart Workshop for this year’s YES programme at the New Hope Church in Tutakimoa.

Tereora College teachers Stuart Halstead – Business Studies, Sheetal Kumar – Commerce, and Brendan Platt – Careers Advisor, accompanied the students to the workshop.

Platt says the YES programme allows students to engage with the wider community because specialised business knowledge and mentorship are often unavailable through school staff.

“So, it’s a case of our young people going through and gaining the opportunity to meet with those mentors and perhaps establish some longer lasting relationships that will go beyond school, and training them up into potential business and stuff to contribute to the Cook Islands later on,” Platt said.

Former Tereora College student Paloma Keil, a dedicated personal trainer, who has her own business FitWithPK, was the special guest speaker at the event.

Keil shared her YES Programme experience. Her group won first place that year for their vegan donuts and was mentored by CITC general manager Gaye Whitta.

She also enlightened the students about her motivation in business

“Make sure you’re passionate about your business and you love it, because if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” Keil said.  

Her approach to business is built on “consistency, hard work and no shortcuts,” to ensure the development of a strong and healthy foundation that lasts.

Keil said she started training because she was unhappy with her image.

“Over time, I fell in love with fitness and health, which led me to take a personal training course.”

Keil soon learnt that fitness can actually help prevent and manage non-communicable-diseases (NCDs) and obesity – a grave concern in the Cook Islands.

“Then I knew I wanted to use my knowledge to help my own community,” she said.

Keil drummed into the students not to give up.

“I faced a lot of negativities from people telling me I couldn’t do it or that it was a bad idea. And sometimes it’s those closest to you that are the ones who tell you that your dreams won’t come true. But that only gave me more motivation to do it. It’s hard to hear, but that’s when you really need to keep going and trust in yourself and not give up,” said Keil.

Kiesha Dais, a student voice facilitator at Massey University and financial mentor/community educator, heartily introduced the students to an overview of the YES programme for the year.

The interactive session involved speed-date-type meetings with the student groups and mentors, which led to quick, sharp discussions on business ideas.

To assist the students through their journey, each team is provided a mentor. The 2025 mentors are: Maru Apera – Excil Shipping, Andy Bruce – The Edgewater Resort, Ana File-Heather – Fave Designs, Chris Greig – Pacific Resort Hotel Group, Tutu Inamata and Ngakuira Osborne – Vodafone Cook Islands, Moceiwaqa Lord – BSP, Claire Wilson – Kia Orana Collective KOCo, Carol and Troy Simmons, Esther Heather – Jungle Farm, Jason Murray – ANZ Bank, and Dianne Fletcher/Jodie – Manea Room.

Due to several issues, the YES programme was not run in 2023 and 2024. This year, it is delivered for Tereora Year 11 students only.

The first challenge is the “validation”, which will be extended to Term 2, and secondly the “pitch (seed event)” in May or early June.

Students will sell their products and participate in live selling environments like the Punanga Nui Market from July 28 July to August 1.

The third challenge, focused on promotions and sales, is due mid-Term 3, and the final challenge – an annual review – is due on the final Thursday of Term 3.