THE Early Years Enterprise Challenge, a global initiative by Teach a Man to Fish in Britain and supported by the Saville Foundation and Be Sustainably Yours, is making a significant impact in South Africa. This year, The Bluff’s Sunbeam Educare Centre is among the enthusiastic participants in entrepreneurial skills learning.
Also read: Bayview sports ground hosts successful sports day [Video]
Scilla Edmonds, the event organiser, explained that the programme aims to foster entrepreneurial skills in children aged four to six years.
“The Early Years Enterprise Challenge aims to introduce the value of money, entrepreneurship, and green business concepts to pre-schoolers. Fourteen out of 20 early childhood development (ECD) centres have now integrated entrepreneurship into their curriculum. They have created school business names, developed business ideas and plans, and are currently setting up and running their own businesses,” said Scilla.
She added that the initiative’s primary goal is to inspire an understanding of money and develop entrepreneurial skills in communication, numeracy, and life skills at an early age. It also provides schools with an alternative way to raise funds, involving families and the broader community.
Romany Roberts, a teacher at Sunbeam Educare Centre, shared her excitement about joining the programme this year. “Last year, we missed the opportunity to get involved due to other commitments. This year, Scilla encouraged me to join, and I immediately said yes. That was the beginning of an amazing journey,” she said.
Romany elaborated on their business plan, which includes potted succulents, scented sachets, “BE KIND” capes, and shopping bags. “The children have been amazing, potting and planting, making envelopes, and creating potpourri. They’ve learned to greet customers, handle money, and understand its value. We have been opened to a whole new world,” she said.
Romany also highlighted the support from the local Austerville SPAR, which helped them set up a supermarket at school, providing a fun way to learn about money. “We definitely have future entrepreneurs,” she added.
A market day for all participating ECD centres will be held on July 20 at the Birches Pre Primary School. This event will allow the centres to sell to each other, with Scilla and her team judging each business, followed by a prize-giving ceremony.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.
