Following their success and win at the 2021 Growsmart Competition in the literacy category, the Silverlea Primary School learners are geared to represent their school again in the year-long competition this year.
Having participated in the mathematics and literacy categories previously, this year the school has also entered groups into the story writing and entrepreneurship categories.
While the two compulsory categories are hotly contested, the school felt they wanted to expand their learners’ participation by entering the additional two categories.
The entrepreneurship team of Zayaan Rylands, Rethabile Seoposenwe and Lethu Gobodo have already raised around R5 000 through their business venture, known as the Boss Buddies.
They offer both products and services and are aiming to give back to the community, while learning vital skills in running a business.
They have Buddy Karate, which teaches karate to locals, with the goal of expanding to other schools after the holy month of Ramadan. They also sell popcorn and other treats at the school.
Next on the agenda is ready meals such as toasted sandwiches, corn in a cup, hotdogs and ice cream. They will employ a resident from the community to assist with this project.
But they do not plan to stop with the competition, says teacher and mentor Zeenat Larney.
“We are hoping to eventually partner with other events where they can sell their goods. Like a mobile caravan or food truck,” she says.
“They are learning skills and also inspiring other children that they too can be entrepreneurs. Not all children will end up going to university after school, but there is a need for entrepreneurs and having a good business idea.”
A group of teachers from the school are involved in the mentoring of each group. These include Grade 6 head of department Nigel Schierhout, Radia Cassiem, Janine Cornelius, Claudia Jenkins and Fatum Adams.
A group of five learners will participate in the mathematics and literacy categories and three learners will participate in the story writing and entrepreneurship categories respectively.
There are various qualifying rounds with eliminations throughout the year. For the entrepreneurship category, they are also encouraged to share their work via social media and gain followers.
Gobodo says he is excited to be part of the group and is looking forward to gathering the skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur.
Seoposenwe says: “To all children young and old, follow your dreams and never give up.”
Schierhout says the learners are working hard towards retaining their title and are excited about their prospects. “It is a group effort and everyone gets involved. That is really encouraging to see,” he says.
Last year, the school received prizes in excess of R350 000 for the win, with equally impressive prizes up for grabs this year.
The Growsmart Competition was founded in 2009 and is offered by Growthpoint Property Group in partnership with the Education Departments of Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo.
