Thematic areas
Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship through Skilling.
At CITES, we believe that meaningful change happens when ideas, technology and enterprise come together. Our work focuses on helping young people develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to identify problems, create solutions and turn promising ideas into opportunities.
Pillar one
01
Innovation
Innovation starts with curiosity, the willingness to ask questions, look at familiar challenges differently, and imagine better ways of doing things.
Innovation at CITES means
Identifying problems and opportunities within communities
Encouraging creativity, curiosity and experimentation
Designing and building practical solutions
Prototyping and testing ideas
Learning from failure and improving solutions
Using locally available materials and resources where possible
In practice
At CITES, we encourage young people to become problem-solvers and creators. We provide opportunities for them to explore ideas, experiment with materials, develop prototypes, and test solutions to real challenges in their communities.
Our approach to innovation is practical. A solution does not have to be complicated or expensive to be valuable. What matters is whether an idea responds to a genuine need and can make a positive difference.
Pillar two
02
Technology
Technology is a tool for learning, creating and solving problems. CITES helps young people develop the digital and technical confidence needed to use technology meaningfully.
Technology at CITES means
Developing practical digital skills
Building confidence with computers and digital tools
Exploring technology through hands-on learning
Using technology to solve real-world problems
Encouraging young people to become creators, not only users, of technology
Connecting digital knowledge with innovation and making
In practice
Our focus goes beyond simply teaching young people how to use devices. We aim to help them understand how technology works and how it can be applied to address challenges, communicate ideas and build solutions.
This includes developing digital skills, exploring technology through practical activities, and creating opportunities for young people to work with tools and technologies that may otherwise be difficult for them to access.
Pillar three
03
Entrepreneurship
An innovative idea becomes more sustainable when it can create value for people and communities. CITES introduces young people to the entrepreneurial thinking needed to move from a working idea or prototype towards an opportunity.
Entrepreneurship at CITES means
Recognising opportunities within community challenges
Understanding the needs of potential users
Developing ideas that create value
Moving from prototypes towards practical applications
Building confidence in enterprise and decision-making
Exploring pathways from innovation to sustainable ventures
In practice
Entrepreneurship at CITES is about more than starting a business. It is about understanding problems, identifying opportunities, creating value, working with others and thinking about how solutions can be sustained and developed.
CITES encourages young people to consider how something they have built could respond to a need, serve other people, and potentially develop into a small enterprise.
Two doors, one story