Schoolchildren will be the primary focus of this year's annual International Business (IB) week, presented by the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA).

The theme of this year's event being held from September 16-20 will be: "Recognising Opportunities, Defining Success."

"Last year, all events scheduled for IB week were cancelled due to the tragic events that unfolded days before on September 11 in the US," said Dueane Dill, chairman of BIBA"s Local Awareness Committee.

He added: "We are, therefore, revisiting the same theme, as we feel it will be great for fostering discussion and highlighting the number of unique opportunities available for Bermudians."

The week will serve as a launch period for a number of new programmes including one targeted at primary school students.

Local Programmes Coordinator Kristin White said: "It is becoming increasingly evident that we need to reach students at a younger age. While we don't expect the average 8-year old to understand the role that an actuary plays, we don't feel it to be out of their ability to grasp the general concepts of International Business. Therefore, during International Business Week, we are very excited to be launching a colouring book that offers easy to understand information about the industry."

During the week, BIBA will also be providing tours of international and local companies including XL Capital, Centre, The Bank of Butterfield and The Bank of Bermuda. In the middle schools, there will be new programmes including Pen-Pal Programme and an opportunity of a lifetime for 11 students.

Mr. Dill explained: "During IB week we will be launching a semester long contest which requires students to exert extra effort in Business Studies. The student who proves to be the most improved in business studies at their school will be chosen to go abroad with BIBA on a college tour, for a total of 11 students from both private and public institutions."

More information on this programme will be available for parents and teachers during IB week.

Contests during the week include Radio Trivia and for senior school students, a scavenger hunt involving companies around the city of Hamilton.

There will also be events offering career guidance and television programmes highlighting BIBA's plans for the future.

Ms. White added: "This promises to be a week filled with great programmes and events for the entire community, from the very youngest of students. BIBA is committed to fulfilling the necessary role of providing information about International Business for Bermuda and IB Week 2002 will be instrumental in achieving this objective."