Marketing madness is underway this week at Monterey Middle School as students embark on the final phase of their annual young entrepreneur project.
“We do this project because of all the incredible learning they do,” says teacher Lana Rud. “The kids get really excited about it, through their excitement comes out the creativity. Their products are absolutely amazing.”
The entire Grade 6 contingent conducted market research, designed crafts and products, created business plans and will sell their wares on Wednesday.
“I’m not very good at drawing so I had to work on them for a long time and keep editing them so they look good,” said Katie Millard, who crafted candle holders and sailboats of local driftwood.
Marketing was also the biggest challenge for Jenny Lambert, but for other reasons.
“I think the biggest challenge for me is understanding what it was,” said Jenny, who created four different spa items. “You wouldn’t buy something you didn’t know.”
For some, honing the product was key. Garen Geoghegon rejuvenated and upgraded a project he did for his mom a couple years ago – tablet holders crafted from leftover wood and etched with varying designs. His project required tweaks to the physical product to increase stability.
Rud looks forward to adding to her collection of useful items purchased from young entrepreneurs as the project culminates with the Monterey Market on Wednesday, March 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. that features more than 100 student-vendors, PAC Pizzeria & Café, and live music.
Each year students donate 10 per cent to a worthy cause, which they must also research and come to agreement on.
“The other part about this is the social aspect. They work in a team to figure out which charity they will support,” Rud said.
After much research, discovery, and a few presentations, the classes whittled it down to donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com
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