Gardeners display a wealth of business talent
THERE was a real spirit of entrepreneurship at Glantane National School when 5th Class pupils showcased their innovative garden themed products during an open day at the school.
The pupils of 5th Class, under the guidance of their teacher Zoe Fitzgerald, recently took part in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme where each child invests a small amount of capital in the business and receives their share of the profits.
They all showed great initiative when presenting their ideas before the judging panel. The judges chose three products and the new company was named Crafty Garden.
The children designed and handcrafted Crafty Garden Shells, Crafty Garden Cards for all occasions, and Crafty Garden Prints.
The entire class was involved in the project with a Production and Design Team, a Sales and Marketing Team, and a Storytelling and Finance Team.
Just before the Easter break they hosted a very successful showcase of their products and were thrilled with the fantastic support they received from their fellow pupils, staff, parents, and the wider community. The children have decided that they will make a donation to Down Syndrome Cork from the substantial profits made.
The Junior Entrepreneur Programme (JEP) is a unique programme which has an alumni of 26,500 children who have created entrepreneurial businesses in their classrooms in Ireland. Every child proposes an idea, and during the 12-16 week programme one is selected as the class business. It’s not just a business plan, but a real business conceived from scratch with real products and services and real customers who pay for what is produced. It all comes together at the Junior Entrepreneur School Showcase Day.