Young entrepreneurs shine as YES showcase ignites business spirit

The energy was electric at Workman’s Primary School as some of the island’s most enterprising youngsters turned their classroom lessons into real-world business ventures, captivating peers, parents, and corporate supporters alike at the second annual Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase (YES).

This year’s edition was described as “bigger and better” by organisers, featuring participation from four other primary schools—St Bartholomew Primary, St George Primary, St Margaret’s Primary, and Ellerton Primary—along with telecom firm Flow Barbados and the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union.

Principal Sandra Downes said the initiative is part of the school’s broader youth entrepreneurship programme, designed to cultivate practical business skills and financial literacy from an early age.

“Today’s event has been really exciting. The children enjoyed every moment of it,” Downes said. “The children have the opportunity to produce their products, bring them to the school, have them sold. They’re supposed to be responsible for the money and it would go toward their savings.”

Children showcased a variety of locally made goods, including sweet treats, natural juices, loaded fries, sno-cones, and traditional Barbadian snacks like fish cakes and bakes.

Downes highlighted the presence of the credit union to help reinforce the message of saving. Flow Barbados also played a key role in introducing students to basic elements of digital engagement.

Teacher Kelia Phillips noted that schools brought significant numbers of students to the event, with St Margaret’s reportedly sending over two dozen pupils.

“They came in and did a walkthrough, participated in the games and stuff. They purchased some things as well,” she said.

Phillips said the showcase also served as inspiration for visiting teachers: “The teachers were very interested in finding out how to pull off something similar at their school.”

Among the young entrepreneurs proudly manning their booths was 10-year-old Jerica Waithe, the self-styled boss of Jerica’s Hot Dog Island.

“I started this because I wanted to learn more about saving and cooperation with others,” she said. “Today was good because there were a lot of different children and there were a lot of activities and I made good sales.”

Another participant, Shaskyja Gittens, shared her secret to success: “I like to greet my customers with a smile so that they can enjoy themselves and do not leave my stand and I can make more sales. How you treat people is important.”

Listing off pink lemonade, mauby, and lemon passion as part of her drinks menu, she added, “My grandma helped me and my mommy.”

Principal Downes noted that many students, even those without formal stalls, still found creative ways to participate: “Even though they didn’t have a booth, they walked around and they sold what they had to offer.”

(SZB)