The Social Enterprise Schools pop-up launched on Thursday 10 October, with students in attendance from Beechworth Primary School, Sandringham College and Surf Coast College to celebrate their achievements and sell their wares.
The pop-up is a first for entrepreneurial learning in Victoria, bringing student social enterprises to the Purpose Precinct’s innovative and dedicated Social Enterprise marketplace. It forms part of the ‘Purpose Kids’ Pop-Up Shop that is dedicated to showcasing and igniting social entrepreneurship in young people, open until the end of October.
Students Gemima and Grace from Beechworth Primary School, who travelled for the launch event, expressed their pride. “It’s amazing to see our social enterprise, Calm Balm lip balms, featured at the Purpose Precinct in Melbourne! All profits are going to the Children’s Cancer Foundation.” Student social enterprises from Whitfield Primary School, Mansfield Primary School and Cathedral College Wangaratta will also be featured, with products ranging from jewellery, scrunchies and scarves, crafts, tote bags, dried fruit, dog toys and cheese boards.
Social Enterprise Schools is a student-led program that empowers young people to address a social issue they care about, turning their ideas into real-life trading social enterprises. 100% of profits are donated to a social cause chosen by students. The program is proudly delivered by the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) and is part of the global Social Enterprise Academy Network.
Lachlan Baird, Chair of the ACRE Board, opened the launch event alongside Llewela Forest, GM of Purpose Precinct. Lachlan remarked, “It’s thrilling to be here in the Purpose Precinct—a venue that showcases social enterprises to nine million visitors each year! A big thank you to the Purpose Precinct team for this opportunity, as trading is a transformational part of the student-led program.”
“A big congratulations to the young social entrepreneurs who are here today – you are inspiring and part of a global change in how we do business. Thank you to the wonderful teachers and school communities who are part of Social Enterprise Schools – your support and guidance is so valuable. I want to thank the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions for supporting this trading opportunity as part of this year’s Victorian Social Enterprise Schools initiative. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to AMP Foundation – as our national Social Enterprise Schools partner, we thank you for your commitment to helping people create their tomorrow.”
Dom Zylka, Teacher at Surf Coast College said “What a great way to kick off our students’ trading experience! They sold so many items and had an amazing time. My favourite moment was hearing them share their stories with customers about their enterprises and the impact they’re making.”
The ‘Purpose Kids’ Pop-Up Shop will be open every market day until the end of October. The Queen Victoria Market is open Tue, Thu and Fri 9am-3pm and Sat & Sun from 9am-4pm.
