"Valuing and promoting entrepreneurial skills among the young is one of the keys to future-proofing our regional economies."
Russell Greenslade, Swansea BID Chief Executive
More than 1,200 children gathered at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall on Thursday July 11 to be recognised for their entrepreneurial skill, as part of the Primary Enterprise Challenge.
Swansea radio presenter, Kevin Johns, hosted the Primary Enterprise Challenge final which saw the youngsters and their teachers together with businesspeople and representatives from Swansea Council.
The event followed on from a successful Market Day event in Castle Square last month, where 35 schools took part in this year’s Primary Enterprise Challenge, after a team of judges from Swansea’s business community visited schools to find out more about the pupils’ business ideas.
Every school won an outstanding achievement award in one of five categories. “The Challenge is a great way for schools to prepare for the new curriculum which is designed to help children become resilient, imaginative and ambitious learners” said Alison Williams, Head Teacher at Craigfelen Primary School in Clydach and winner of an award for outstanding customer service. “The children really enjoy the challenge because they have fun whilst learning through a meaningful and purposeful project."
Allison has been instrumental in encouraging other primary schools to take part since she set up the Challenge seven years ago with Sue Poole, Director of Young-Dragons who said “Young children are full of ideas and naturally enterprising. The challenge is an opportunity to harness that enthusiasm and develop skills which will be valuable later in life.”
This year’s Challenge was sponsored by Swansea BID, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David and Welsh Government. Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea Business Improvement District (BID) said: “Many congratulations to the winners of the Primary Enterprise Challenge. Swansea BID is happy to support events like this one, because valuing and promoting entrepreneurial skills among the young is one of the keys to future-proofing our regional economies.”
The Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, said: “Welsh Government is proud to be one of the sponsors for the Swansea Primary Enterprise Challenge which aims to develop the entrepreneurial spirit of primary school children across the Swansea region. Our Economic Action Plan is committed to developing an entrepreneurial culture in Wales, and this practical enterprise competition provides young people with the opportunity to identify and test ideas, building on their knowledge and honing their business skills.”
Cllr Jennifer Raynor, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Improvement, Learning and Skills, said: “The enterprise market in Castle Square was a brilliant showcase for the talent and enthusiasm of our primary school pupils. All the schools taking part in learning through enterprise are helping to develop the skills people will need in the future.”
