Primary School Students Display Products in a Business Showcase
Over a hundred students gathered at the ITVET in Belize City today to show off products that they created under a programme with Peacework. In its third year, the “Business Showcase” which is a collaboration with the Ministry of Education, hosted over twenty schools from across the city in an all-day exhibition that is intended to teach students what it takes to develop a business idea into a product. News Five’s Andrea Polanco stopped in at today’s showcase to check out the work of the young students.
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
From Jams to pillows to jewelry– primary school, ITVET and Gateway Center students put their business skills on display at the Peacework Business Showcase. The students came up with ideas which they developed into the final products on sale today.
Lisa Cutkelvin
Lisa Cutkelvin, Student, Bethel Primary School
“First, we got the bottles and we spray painted and finger painted them. So, like these ones, first we glue gun the designs and then we spray paint them.”
Andrea Polanco
“Why did you guys decide to do this particular one?”
Lisa Cutkelvin
“We decided to do this because we thought it was a good idea do to conserve the environment.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, tell me like how much would one bottle cost?”
Lisa Cutkelvin
“Well, these bottles cost six dollars and these three bottles cost fifteen.”
Andrea Polanco, Reporter
“So, Joemar, talk to me about what you guys have made here?”
Joemar Wiltshire
Joemar Wiltshire, James Garbutt Primary School
“A bouquet. A re-bouquet.”
Andrea Polanco, Reporter
“Talk to me about how you guys made it?”
Joemar Wiltshire
“We made it with all the recycling bottles. And we spray painted the petals.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, how did you guys come up with this idea?”
Joemar Wiltshire
“That’s a tricky one.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, why did you guys decide to do this?”
Joemar Wiltshire
“We wanted to help the environment.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, are you selling it?”
Joemar Wiltshire
“Yes, ma’am.”
Andrea Polanco
“For how much?”
Joemar Wiltshire
“Fifteen dollars.”
Peacework says this collaboration with the Ministry of Education has far reaching and long term benefits for the students.
Lia Flur
Lia Flur, Director of Corporate Engagement, Peacework
“From the basis, we’ve asked them to create a business plan so that goes from concept to idea and how they are gonna implement. And what kind of human capital cost it would take, and what kind of material cost it would take. So, I think there is some levels of financial literacy in there which is a core part of the ministry and Peacework’s work together in Belize. So, that will be a life skill that will carry on for a very long time. It also teaches team work, collaboration. They have also been paired with business mentors from across Belize City who have really helped them to think about their ideas and formulate something that can actually work.”
For the James Garbutt Seven Day Adventist Primary, it’s a solution:
Nicole Garbutt, Teacher, James Garbutt Seven Day Adventist Primary
“Yes, I believe that they did learn. They learnt that the things that are in the environment can that have been discarded can also be reused. The garbage that are around will be lessened. And that they can also make a little change from the things they make.”
Nicole Garbutt
Andrea Polanco
“So, is this something you will continue with your students or is this just like a one day thing?”
Nicole Garbutt
“Well, I believe it will be continued. The reason it will be continued is because we have school trips and class dinners and that is something we have to take out of our pockets. So, if we make these and sell them perhaps to family members or around the school, then we can make some money. Everything doesn’t have to come from the parents or the pockets of the children.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, it’s a good little way to fundraise for the students?”
Nicole Garbutt
“Exactly.”
As a part of today’s business show case, the participants presented their business plan and products to a panel as a part of a competition. Reporting for News Five, I am Andrea Polanco.
