Philadelphia
Public School Alumnus Gives Back to the Community
Sponsors Youth
Entrepreneur Program at the Anna Blakiston Day School
Philadelphia,
PA, May 15, 2012 -
Dr. Robert A. Faizon is no stranger to adversity. At the age of eight he was separated from
his family and lived in the Stenton Home for Children for three years. During that
time, he attended the A. B. Day School where he received his primary education
in a nurturing environment. When asked to sponsor a Youth
Entrepreneur Program for students at his Alma Mater, he didn't
hesitate.
In
the past the program had been funded by the School District through The Business
Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise. "When I
discovered that funding wasn't available this year, I called Robert. He and I
attended the University of Pitt together and I remembered that he had attended
A.B. Day so I reached out to him and he accepted" said Pamela Rich-Wheeler,
Director of the Business Center.
At
age eleven Dr. Faizon was reunited with his family. Although the
adversity continued, he remained diligent in his studies, graduated from Olney
High School and pursued his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh. He then
attended Yale University's School Of Medicine for Residency in
Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN).
Dr.
Faizon had been contemplating ways to give back to his community so when
presented with this opportunity he was overjoyed. On Thursday, May 17, 2012, he will come
and meet the program's participants, talk with them and answer any questions
they have.
The
school's principal, Ms. Karen White was happy to have the opportunity to offer
this after-school program to her students. Within one week 26 parents registered
their children to participate.
The
program instructor, Kendall Hayes is impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm
of the third through sixth grade participants. "One of the first things we do is to show
the students how to identify a problem and convert it into a business
opportunity.
These students were familiar with the basic understanding of
entreprenehip and excited about learning how to roadmap their way to
success."
The
program also teaches life skills, basic accounting principles (including
budgeting, cash flow analysis, investing and return on investments) problem
solving, the importance of a business plan, and how to write one.
Ms
White says that students are very excited about meeting Dr. Faizon and have lots
of question for him.
