It Only Takes a Spark: What 196 Students Discovered in Two Days

Walking into a room filled with 196 students, no one can be completely sure what to expect. Would they listen? Would they participate? Could a two-day program really inspire so many young minds?

From the first session, however, the energy in the room was high.

As Academy of Entrepreneurs Founder and CEO Paula Mills began explaining that anyone could become an entrepreneur, and that entrepreneurship could be used to solve real problems, the students’ faces began to light up. They listened closely, eager to ask questions and share their ideas.

Their journey started by looking inward. Through the concept of Ikigai, students explored their interests, passions, strengths, and the things they cared about. They were then challenged to look beyond themselves and examine the concerns affecting Cagayan de Oro.

Could something they loved or cared about become the beginning of a solution?

With the help of AI, the students researched community and environmental issues, explored different perspectives, and developed their ideas. They learned that AI was not there to think for them. It was a tool that could help them ask better questions, strengthen their research, and bring their ideas to life.

In only two days, the students moved from identifying problems to using effective AI prompts to deepen their research, develop possible solutions, and turn their ideas into business concepts, brands, websites, and working prototypes.

One group developed the idea of transforming carabao manure into sustainable paper products, including sticky notes and notepads. They even created a website and online order form for their product. It was an unexpected idea, creative, practical, and rooted in something available within their environment.

But the most meaningful output was not simply a website, app, logo, or product.

It was the spark visible in the students.

It was the moment they began to realise,

“I can do this. My idea can solve a problem. Something I care about can become a solution.”

Two days may not complete a young person’s transformation, but they can begin one. They can open a door, introduce a new way of thinking, and build the confidence to see problems not only as difficulties, but as opportunities to create change.

The teachers and administrators saw it too. They witnessed students becoming more curious, engaged, and eager to share what they had created.

This is what GreenPreneurship hopes to bring to more schools: an environment where students are encouraged to explore their potential, use technology

responsibly, and recognise the value of their own ideas.

Sometimes, all it takes is the right opportunity, the right guidance, and two meaningful days to create a spark.