Students at the Workman’s Primary School got the opportunity to show off their creativity, critical thinking skills and entrepreneurial spirit when the rural school hosted its first ever Entrepreneurship Drive.
Reading teacher and head of the event’s organising committee Kelia Phillips told Barbados TODAY the event was the St George school’s take on the annual Agrofest exhibition.
“This event was somewhat incidental. Realising that Agrofest falls within the mid-term break, we thought of having our own showcase. At first we were going to ask the parents to take part in the activity but then we decided it would be the perfect opportunity for the students to apply what they learn in class outside of the traditional learning environment. They get to do maths – addition, subtraction, division and multiplication – and they get to speak and interact with customers. So we were pleased that the activity turned out to be something grand,” she said, adding that there was an overwhelming response and she hoped the event could be an annual activity.
Interested students were tasked with developing a product they could market and sell and create, in part or in total. They also had to advertise the product ahead of the showcase. About 18 businesses ranging from the sale of natural juices, craft kits, sno-cones, burgers, hotdogs, coconut water and goodie bags were on display.
“We want the students to understand that entrepreneurship is a viable path in terms of business. Yes, we want students to aspire to be doctors, lawyers and teachers but business is a prime money earner. It is the way in which the world is heading. In the future, even though they may have a traditional 9 to 5 job, we want them to explore their other talents in areas that they are good in and make use of additional streams of income. So we hope that this would be a good learning experience for the children and something they continue doing in the future,” Phillips added.
Students were encouraged to save the money they made from the exercise.
Some of the students reported that they had a fun time being business owners for a day.
Eight-year-old Shaskyja Francis sold lemonade and mauby her grandmother helped her make, under the business name Shaskyja’s Drink Stand. She said she liked talking to people and selling her product.
Samuel Best, 7, of Sam’s Craft Shop said he liked arts and craft and wanted to create a kit including pencils, erasers and embellishments that students could use during art class.
Jaaziah Fedee of The Sobers Stand sold treats such as Bajan suck-a-bubbies, puffs, popcorn and cookies. She was glad for the opportunity to make money so she could help her mother with purchasing necessities for the house.
(SZB)
