Project Description

Industry/Sector: Charity, Public Sector 

Activity Name: Young Enterprise Programme & Craft Club Collaboration 

Activity Type: Entrepreneurship 

Businesses Involved: Young Enterprise Programme, Exxon Mobil, Nyumba Ya Masambiro (House of Education) in Ruarwe 

School: Inverkeithing High School 

Objectives 

The Young Enterprise Programme provides students with the chance to experience the real-world challenges of starting and running a business. Throughout the academic year, participants develop essential entrepreneurial and employability skills. In collaboration with the school’s Craft Club, the programme also allowed students to explore and develop craft-making skills. Using vibrant African fabric purchased in Lilongwe, Malawi by Mrs. Spokes and Ms. Lisbona, students created and sold a range of products at various craft fairs during the year. 

 Intended Outcomes

Enhancing entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in participants. 

Boosting enterprise skills and equipping students with a deeper understanding of business management. 

Preparing students for the workforce by developing practical skills. 

Refining craft skills, including fabric cutting and the creation of earrings, cards, pencil cases, notebooks, and photo frames. 

Improving well-being through engaging in a relaxing and enjoyable activity with peers during lunchtime. 

Raising funds to support the House of Education (NYM) in Ruarwe, a community education centre that helps vulnerable children attend school. 

 Partners and Businesses Involved

Young Enterprise Scotland: Programme facilitators. 

Kerry Myers, Young Enterprise Mentor from Exxon Mobil, provided business guidance. 

Nyumba Ya Masambiro (House of Education) in Ruarwe, Malawi: Led by Rosa Harper and Frank Msuku, this charity supported the project by helping fund education for vulnerable children in Malawi. 

Event Outcomes – Young Enterprise Programme

This year’s Young Enterprise participants successfully formed a cohesive team, electing office bearers for different specialisms. Each student invested their own funds (capped at £25) to become shareholders in the business. They developed and marketed their product—a book of Malawian stories—which they sold both in and outside of school, ensuring they managed their finances to maintain profitability. 

The team compiled a detailed report documenting their achievements and presented their project at a regional competition, where they were awarded the Team Journey Award and the Community Award. While the programme’s primary focus was on business skills, the participants also embraced a community-oriented approach, raising funds to support Ruarwe School in Malawi and strengthening the connection between the two schools. 

The core outcome for the participants was the legacy of skills, experience, and resilience they developed through their entrepreneurial journey.

Event Outcomes – Craft Club Collaboration

Participants in the Craft Club took on the challenge of crafting various products from African cotton fabrics, with a focus on raising awareness and funds for Ruarwe School. The club sold their handmade items during two lunchtimes at school and at a drama event before Christmas. 

The proceeds raised from selling these products are being used to purchase uniforms and school supplies for orphans and children from vulnerable families in Malawi, many of whom would be unable to attend school without these essentials. Frank Msuku and the NYM staff are currently visiting local primary schools in the catchment areas to select the children in need and order the uniforms from local tailors, who will produce 50 uniforms. Additionally, the school supplies have already been purchased and delivered. 

Feedback
 Aidan Oxford, an S6 pupil, shared his experience: 

“It was a fantastic experience. The Young Enterprise Programme helped me develop crucial business skills and gave me a clear understanding of how a business is created and operates. It also gave me the chance to engage with the local community.”