Hannah Barry-Hodnett, one of the pupils at Lisheen National School, Skibbereen, Co Cork, working on the natural organic formula for its organic, seaweed soap business. The class won the"class of the year award" at the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. Photograph: Jerry Kennelly
The pupils overcame several false starts and production problems before hitting on the winning formula for their “Draíocht na Mara” soap. In all, the class generated total sales of €2,160 and a profit of €1,350. They repaid their parents’ association loan in full. Class teacher Niamh McCarthy said” “Every child in the class has blossomed and grown on this programme – children who aren’t suited to book learning, those who are highly academic, children who are very creative – there’s something for everyone, and it has been such a pleasure to watch them all flourish.”
Marie Lynch, the co-founder and managing director of the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, said the programme has become “a rite of passage for children in primary schools”.