Young entrepreneurs from more than 30 schools will be setting up shop in Swansea’s Castle Square this Friday.
The children will be selling all manner of goods from home grown vegetables and homemade lemonade to upcycled items and craft products.
The special market is part of an ongoing drive to inspire pupils to think imaginatively and ambitiously as Wales moves towards a new curriculum.
One of the schools taking part is Craigfelen Primary and headteacher Alison Williams has been heavily involved in organising the market.
She said the school has been developing entrepreneurial skills in its pupils for a number of years now as staff feel passionately that education should be motivating, fun and prepare pupils for the world they will grow up in.
Mrs Williams added:
“In previous years we have held this event in Swansea Indoor Market with the kind cooperation of the traders there, but the number of schools taking part has grown so this is our most ambitious market yet.
“Pupils from all the schools have come up with some wonderful and creative ideas so I would invite anyone in the city centre on Friday to pop along, browse the stalls and pick up a bargain or two.
“They will be supporting a scheme that is helping to prepare our young children through the development of skills and values that will ensure they grow up to become creative, ambitious and capable citizens of the future.”
The schools and their teachers have been working with Gower College, the University of Wales Trinity St David and C4EE.
Friday’s event is being supported by Trade Centre Wales who have sponsored the stalls.
Andy Coulthurst, CEO of The Trade Centre Wales, said:
“We’re a community-focused business, and so we are always on the look-out for new opportunities to support community initiatives like this one.
“Schools have to equip our young people with the skills and knowledge to inspire them to achieve the best they possibly can, so we are proud to help support Wales’ young entrepreneurs in any way we can. Who knows, maybe we’ll see one of the pupils selling here in our showroom one day.”
Friday’s market runs between 9.30am and 2.30pm.
Cllr Jennifer Raynor, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Improvement, Learning and Skills, said:
“Events such as these are very important to help develop the skills young people will need in the future and it reflects some of the key themes of the new curriculum being introduced in Wales. I am very grateful for the help Trade Centre Wales in making this possible.”
