The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well at Holly Elementary last Thursday afternoon as dozens of students actively marketed their home-made creations.
For the last two years, Grade 6 students at the school have taken part in a program to develop and market products for sale through a initiative called Powerplay Young Entrepreneurs.
Over a six-week period, the students learn how to create a business plan, then produce a product for sale along with marketing materials used to attract prospective buyers. The program that has been operating in nearly 15 Surrey schools for the past 10 years.
Holding a basket filled with her hand-crafted exotic rock animals, Sara Foubert can't contain her excitement.
"Creating a new business was pretty cool," she said.
Classmate Ayaan Musse bought various books for a dollar from a number of library book sales, and cut out the centres to create small "safes" that look like books. They give people a place to hide their valuables such as iPods and cellphones. Her product was so popular, it was sold out before noon.
Principal Steve Redding is a strong supporter of the program.
"Often students learn in different ways, but to see them succeed is such a thrill," he said.