In March 2026, students of Year 5 had the exciting opportunity to take part in an Enterprise Programme, created and delivered by the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) and FIG Careers Department, with generous sponsorship from the Falkland Islands Company (FIC) providing all the ingredients for the baking, a cooking demonstration, space to sell and vouchers for each member of the winning team.
Jane Clarke from FIDC shared the inspiration behind the programme, saying, “We host the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme at FIDC to spark early interest in business and innovation, helping young people build skills and confidence that will benefit them throughout life. The future of the Falklands is bright with the wonderful entrepreneurs in Year 5! We look forward to watching them grow through their education and hopefully welcoming some of them through the doors of FIDC one day to set up their own successful ventures.”
The programme, affectionately referred to as the “Cookie Project”, challenged students to launch their own biscuit business. Divided into six groups, the students tackled a new business-related task each week, covering key areas such as market research, product development, costing, marketing, and sales. The sessions were led by Sally Heathman (Career Development Officer for FIG Careers Department), Jane Clarke (Marketing & Communications Officer for FIDC), Lane Mckay (Marketing & Communications Assistant for FIDC) and Amy Thorsen (Asset & Admin Assistant with FIDC).
A highlight of the experience came during the manufacturing phase, when professional Pastry Chef Anton Mamis from FIC led a hands-on baking demonstration. Later, during their sales week, the young entrepreneurs set up tables at Crozier Café, enthusiastically selling over 140 cookies across two bustling sessions. The posters were front and centre, with their personalised logos printed onto stickers to close their packaging, courtesy of Chapman’s Colourful Creations.
In the final week, each group presented their project outcomes, and a sample of their cookies, to a panel of judges: Zachary Franklin from FIDC, Fungai Dube from FIC, Shelley Short the Principal of IJS and the three of 2026 Economic Development Forum speakers, Targ Patience, Kathy Smith, and Geneve Phillip-Durham. The winning team, ‘Royal Crunchers’, wowed the judges with a score of 817 out of 1080 and total sales of £26.00. Their recipe was a creative twist on the classic Smoko Biscuit from Cooking the Falklands Way, enhanced with chocolate chips and M&M’s and vibrant branding. Their advice for future participants? “Work together and have fun!”
Altogether, the Year 5 students raised an impressive £234.50, which they will be using to enjoy a well-earned trip to the HarbourLights Cinema.
Sally Heathman from the FIG Careers Department shares, “Jane and I have been truly impressed by the genuine entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Year 5. We were both impressed by their enthusiasm and determination towards each task. Congratulations to everyone, and a heartfelt thank you to the Year 5 teachers, Renee and Gill, and the great LSAs, for allowing us into their classrooms and assisting in bringing this programme to life!”
