Students from Lisheen National School in Skibbereen, Co Cork formed an organic seaweed soap company using an initial fund from the parents’ association. Their venture was rewarded at a nationwide junior enterprise contest which promotes the establishment of genuine businesses by children in their schools.
The students, from the fourth, fifth and sixth grades, set up a small-scale scientific lab in their classroom and began testing soap-making processes. They experimented with various essential oils, seaweeds and natural colours until they perfected the recipe for their soap, named “Draíocht na Mara”.
The students faced several initial failures and manufacturing issues but finally found success with an investment of €300 from the parents’ association. Their first batch of 100 soaps promptly sold out requiring them to increase their production to 300 bars to meet the demands.
Along with soap-making, the students honed their digital abilities by designing a label for the soap and creating a promotional video too. They held a product showcase for the local community and also set up a stall at the local farmers’ market, resulting in a total revenue of €2,160 and a net profit of €1,350, with which they paid off their initial loan in full.
With the remaining profit, the students rewarded themselves with a Baltimore pizza and ice cream trip and reward vouchers for local stores in Skibbereen. The students also donated a portion of their earnings to charity, whilst planning to use the rest to purchase chickens and a coop for the school as part of their next business endeavour.
Class teacher, Niamh McCarthy celebrated the growth of every student, both academic and creative, through their participation in the programme. Local business owners were also brought into the classroom to share their stories and inspire the students.
Marie Lynch, Co-founder and Managing Director of the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, praises the programme as a significant milestone in primary education, contributing to the development of strong friendships and teamwork while allowing the students to gain tangible success.
The Junior Entrepreneur Programme is an engaging entrepreneurial training initiative tailored for primary school learners in Years 5 and 6, aimed at fostering confidence, resilience, creativity, problem-solving skills and teamwork within pupils of all skill sets. Furthermore, this programme is provided free of charge to educational institutions throughout Ireland.
Originating from Kerry in 2010, the programme has since seen participation from over 100,000 pupils. The ventures established by students through the programme have generated sales totalling more than €3-million, with a significant fraction of these profits gifted to charities.
Jerry Kennelly, an entrepreneur, played a significant role in co-founding this programme to encourage entrepreneurship initiatives within primary schools, working in conjunction with Mary Immaculate College in Limerick to develop the curriculum.
Moreover, here are the winners of the All-Island Junior Entrepreneur Awards 2024:
Class of the Year:
Years 4, 5 & 6 from Lisheen National School, Skibbereen, Co Cork, who created Draíocht na Mara – an organic seaweed soap.
Marketing Whizzes:
Year 5 at Summercove National School, Kinsale, Co Cork, who designed The Kinsale Cookbook, comprising recipes from local eateries.
Digital Wizards:
Year 6 at St. Peters National School, Dungourney, Co Cork, for their Crazy Candles, which are handmade candles inside China teacups and saucers.
Environmental Stewards:
Years 5 & 6 from Corballa National School, Corballa, Co Sligo, with their Know When to Sow, a calendar featuring seasonal seeds and corresponding information for each month.
Creative Innovators:
From St. Ninnidh’s Primary School, Derrylin, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, with their Tumbling Paddies mug named ‘Ceol Agus Ól’ .
Wellness Champions:
Years 5 & 6 at Castlelyons National School, Castlelyons, Co. Cork, for The Sports Box, encompassing various games and sports gear promoting healthy living among youngsters.
Dynamic Creators:
Years 5 & 6 from Killeen National School, Birr, Co Offaly, for Bugsy The Boot Jack – a boot jack designed as a bunny.
Star Contribution:
Year 5 at Loreto Primary School, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, for Jupiter Jars – decorative night light containers.
Game Changers…
MM3, from Scoil Aonghusa in Spafield, Cashel, Co. Tipperary has created an engaging children’s publication titled “Super Drawer Boy”, featuring a superhero. Then there’s the Finance Wizards, from 6th class at Scoil Bhríde in Cannistown, Navan, Co Meath, who’ve organised a school event named “Cannisfest”.
The creative students from 5th & 6th class at Wicklow Montessori Primary School in Ballyguile Beg, Wicklow town, have designed ‘Are We There Yet?’ a child-friendly kit to keep youngsters entertained on lengthy trips. Not forgetting the Community Champions, from third to sixth class from Fybough National School, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry, who’ve produced ‘Photo Buddies’, a collection of unique photos showcasing local picturesque areas.
Lastly, Top Teams is made up of 6th class students from Scoil Mhuire GNS, Lucan, Co. Dublin. They’ve crafted ‘Bowtique Bows’, a range of elegant and colourful hair bow accessories in various styles.