More than 520 primary and secondary students across Australia developed new enterprises during 2020 to raise money for environmental, social and cultural issues they care about.
The students participated in Social Enterprise Schools – a practical, student-led experience that develops citizenship and enterprise capabilities.
Delivered by Social Enterprise Academy Australia*, the initiative started in 2016. To date, more than 3,900 students and 120 teachers have joined, with $15,500 donated by students to their chosen social causes.
From Friday 27 November people can join the first ever Social Enterprise Schools virtual awards -a celebration of students’ 2020 achievements, and a showcase of more than 80 student-led enterprises set up this year.
Social Enterprise Schools equips young people with skills, knowledge and capabilities to drive their own futures in the world of work and business.
The 2020 showcase will feature more than 80 enterprises developed by primary and secondary students to generate profits for causes they care about. Examples include; making reusable face masks to support local aged care facilities; running a drone photography service to support homeless communities; making beeswax wraps to support the Great Barrier Reef; harvesting worm juice to support protection of Tassie Devils; and creating upcycled wooden items to support Indigenous learning and advocacy around cultural burning practices.
Schools from metropolitan, regional and remote rural areas will receive a 2020 Social Enterprise in Education Award:
- Alstonville, NSW: Alstonville Public School | Alstonville High School| Rous Public School
- Beechworth, VIC: Beechworth Montessori School | St Joseph’s Primary| Beechworth Primary School
- Melbourne, VIC: Sandringham College
- Myrtleford, VIC: Myrtleford P12 College
- Myrrhee, VIC: Myrrhee School
- Nathalia, VIC: OneSchool Global
- Wangaratta, VIC: Borinya-Wangaratta Community Partnership, Cathedral College Wangaratta
- Whitfield, VIC: Whitfield District Primary School
During the Awards, social enterprise leaders will share tips and messages of support: Bec Scott (CEO & Co-founder of STREAT), Mikhara Ramsing, (Founder of Miks Chai), Dallas Mugarra (Founder of Darrikardu Nurmi and a member of the Thamarrurr Youth Indigenous Corporation), and Mikey Leung (Director and Co-founder of Digital Storytellers).
Social Enterprise Schools is mapped to the Victorian and Australian school curriculum. Schools who join receive ongoing support to deliver the students’ social enterprise learning journey, including teacher professional development, access to a comprehensive online Teacher Toolkit, and weekly ‘Open Door’ coaching’ sessions to explore ideas and questions.
Social Enterprise Schools expanded to metropolitan Melbourne and the NSW north coast this year. Schools from South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory are coming on board in 2021.
Interested schools can register to join the 2021 Social Enterprise Schools program. Book here to join a Q&A session with our team.
*Since starting in Scotland in 2004, the Social Enterprise Academy has replicated internationally. It now has 14 country teams around the world; Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, India, Malawi, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Rwanda, Scotland, South Africa, Wales, Zambia. ACRE manages the Social Enterprise Academy in Australia.