Middle school students cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit – The Royal Gazette

Middle school students in Bermuda are diving into the world of entrepreneurship through the Vendor Day Marketplace programme. Designed to boost education and foster business skills, students from Dellwood Middle School, Whitney Institute Middle School, and Sandys Secondary Middle School are showcasing their entrepreneurial talents.

Under the guidance of their business studies teachers, students aged 11 to 12 are learning foundational business concepts and creating their own business plans. The Vendor Day Marketplace allows them to set up pop-up stalls, conduct cash transactions, and keep their net profits.

From handmade jewelry to homemade snacks and drinks, the items for sale at the marketplace are diverse and reflect the creativity of the young entrepreneurs. Parents play a significant role in supporting their children’s businesses by investing in them and helping with set-up and sales.

Teachers and school officials are thrilled with the students’ enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and their ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. The programme has garnered support from the wider community and other entrepreneurs, further enriching the students’ learning experience.

Thanks to a partnership between the Department of Education and the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, students are gaining valuable hands-on experience in running a business. The initiative is supported by a grant from HSBC Group and HSBC Bank Bermuda, highlighting the importance of empowering youth through enterprise education.

With upcoming Vendor Days scheduled at each participating school, families are encouraged to come out and support these budding entrepreneurs as they showcase their businesses and demonstrate their marketable skills. The positive impact of the programme is evident, as students gain a deeper understanding of financial literacy and the workings of the economy.