In March 2025, 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 a cooking demonstration, all the ingredients for the baking, 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 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.
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 took over the foyer of the West Store, enthusiastically selling over 160 cookies across two bustling sessions. The posters were front and centre, with their personalised logos printed onto stickers to seal 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 and Sarah Stannard, Director of Education. The winning team, ‘Cookie Delight’, wowed the judges with a score of 137 out of 150 and total sales of £51.80. Their recipe was a creative twist on the classic Smoko Biscuit from Cooking the Falklands Way, enhanced with chocolate chips, pink icing, and vibrant branding featuring the slogan: “You haven’t tasted happiness if you haven’t tasted these!” Their advice for future participants? “Work together and have fun!”
Altogether, the Year 5 students raised an impressive £298.90, 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!”
