Young entrepreneurs put their skills to the test

Freeway Park Primary’s Grade Seven learners swapped their schoolbooks for business plans as they put their entrepreneurial skills to the test.

42 minutes ago

Zamantolo Fakude 2 minutes read

Four ladies standing next to each other smiling — Educators Sibongile Maseko, Sanet Viljoen, Busisiwe Khumalo and Refiloe Khoza believe the entrepreneurship day helped learners build their practical skills and confidence.

Grade Seven learners at Freeway Park Primary School put their selling and marketing skills into practice during an entrepreneurship day on September 4, selling everything from cupcakes and cold drinks to bracelets and necklaces.

Hosted by the school, the event allowed the learners to experience the challenges and rewards of running a small business.

The stalls offered a variety of treats, including burgers, wings, sweets and cotton candy, while games added to the excitement.

learner in pink jacket, white and black strips, making cotton candy. — Boitumelo Shokane (12) kept spinning clouds of cotton candy floss while adding a touch of sweetness to the school’s event. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

Five kids wearing black and white, standing in front of their stall. — Boitumelo Shokane (12) kept spinning clouds of cotton candy floss while adding a touch of sweetness to the school’s event. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

Many stalls were sold out by the end of the day.

Teacher Busi Khumalo said the event was a valuable learning experience.

“I find this useful as it teaches our learners ways to gain skills and confidence. These types of skills can always be useful in the future for them,” she said.

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Khumalo added that entrepreneurship forms part of the curriculum, making it rewarding to see the lessons put into practice.

For some learners, the experience sparked an interest in business, while others remained focused on different career paths.

Girl wearing white shirt, black pull over, brown chinos — Makhanane Moremi (13) took part in the entrepreneurship day but said dealing with customers was more challenging than expected.

A black boy smiling wearing black clothes — Makhanane Moremi (13) took part in the entrepreneurship day but said dealing with customers was more challenging than expected.

Tshepang Moloele and his team each contributed R250 towards their bracelet and necklace business.

After reaching their target, Moloele said the experience had changed his view of entrepreneurship.

“We’ve reached our target and with how today turned out, I’m very much interested in entrepreneurship,” he said.

The team planned to split their profits among themselves.

Makhanane Moremi, however, said attracting customers had been more challenging than expected.

“We haven’t counted our money, but it looks like we’ve reached our target. To be honest, getting customers is too much admin. I’d rather be a paediatrician than an entrepreneur,” she said.

Ompha Manenzhe also enjoyed the experience but said entrepreneurship was not the career path he intended to follow.

“This is a very good experience. However, I don’t think it’s something I’d pursue in the future. I want to be an IT specialist,” he said.