One of the world’s top audit firms has thrown its support behind a new sponsorship program aimed at bringing in much needed funds for Junior Achievement of the Cayman Islands.

The new ‘Corporate Ambassador’ program was launched by the new Junior Achievement board in the latter part of 2011.  Mr Paul Byles, President of Junior Achievement explained that the new top tier sponsorship level would mean long term sustainability for the JA program.

“An ‘Ambassador’ corporate sponsor pledges to support Junior Achievement through an annual donation of $10,000 for a 3-year term,” said Mr Byles.

Junior Achievement is dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.   The programs help prepare young people by showing them how to generate and manage assets, create jobs which make their communities more robust, and apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace.

Mr Paul Arbo, Partner BDO Cayman, said his company was proud to become a JA Ambassador as it was a great opportunity to participate in programs benefiting youth during BDO’s tenth year of business in Cayman.

“Junior Achievement provides a valuable support framework to enable students to realise their potential,” he said. “BDO is committed to the sustainability of this important initiative and the benefits it will bring, not only to participants, but also to their families, schools and the Cayman community.”

“Junior Achievement’s young people inspire us with their abilities and leadership skills and the contributions they make in our community will help define where the Cayman Islands heads in the 21st Century,” Mr Arbo said.

“The focus of the JA program is on nurturing and developing participants and building their educational ambitions by providing opportunities for social development, academic enrichment and personal growth,” Mr. Byles said.

“Young people represent Cayman’s future and it’s important we give them the encouragement and support they need to make their mark,” he said.  “The Junior Achievement program gives important skills to our future community leaders and I encourage the Cayman business community to support this worthy organisation by becoming an Ambassador sponsor.”

Junior Achievement is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in the Cayman Islands in 2012.  It is supported by many corporate sponsors including its seven Corporate Ambassadors: HSBC, Rotary Central, Dunkin Donuts, Caledonian Global Financial Services, Maples & Calder, BDO and Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce.