The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Pupils show a brilliance for business
Enterprising pupils from Aberdour Primary School proved they were business stars of the future at a Dragons’ Den-style event in Dunfermline.
Five shortlisted schools from across Fife came together to pitch their social enterprise ideas to a panel of experts last week.
And it was the entrepreneurial pupils from Aberdour who were crowned the event’s winners by the “dragons”, including Geoffrey
Proudlock from Fife College, Ann Camus from Fife Council and Sandra Robb-Devlin from Zero Waste Scotland.
The P7 pupils set up a cafe in their school playground to help tackle isolation. The cafe encouraged individuals who struggle with loneliness and mental health to visit and speak with peers.
By selling drinks and cakes the pupils aim to make £30 revenue each week which would translate to £872.16 of profit per year.
This profit will be used in three different ways: 50% in new stock, 25% to a mental health charity and 25% as savings.
Dairsie Primary, Leslie Primary and St Leonard’s Primary were also highly praised for their social enterprise concepts and were named as runners-up.
Mr Proudlock, director of faculty at Fife College, said: “Even though it was a difficult decision, we were happy to announce Aberdour as the winner. Their idea and research were fully developed and first-rate.
“Events like this truly showcase Scotland’s young people and their passion for their communities, the environment and the most marginalised in society.
“These guys are our future and clearly ones to watch and listen to.
“They are a credit to their parents, families, communities and schools and the support they receive from their teachers is phenomenal.”
Ms Camus, enterprise and business development manager, economic development, Fife Council added: “We were delighted
to see so many young people presenting their social enterprise idea.
“Through their involvement in this event and programme with Social Enterprise Academy, they have developed crucial skills that will support them in their journey through education and into the world of work.
“Pupils at Aberdour Primary School demonstrated fantastic business acumen and an extremely robust business plan as well as a clear social aim that was extremely close to their hearts.”
The Dragons’ Den event was delivered as part of the Social Enterprise Schools programme with Fife Council and Fife College.