By Russel Paz
Thirty two groups of students managed their own businesses in this year’s Food and Craft Fair held at The Philippine School Dubai on October 31, 2018.While practicing cross-functional skills, the young entrepreneurs made sure that customers should be rewarded for their loyalty and repeated patronage of food and crafts services.
The Technology and Livelihood Education Department applied the market system across all levels wherein specific grade levels will be assigned to sell food items such as Philippine native delicacies, cakes, sweets, pastries and cocktail juices. Several grade levels also sold novelty items souvenirs, accessories art crafts, while others offered services such as face painting and recreational games
“For every purchase of twelve dirhams, the customer can get gold coin chocolate or a free drink,” said Kaye Villanueva, a junior high school vendor.
In another store, vendor Mariel Wilson said, “If you bring four customers or friends, you will have 50 percent on all the items.”
This event is in collaboration with the ICT Department which facilitated the creation of business logos, list of prices and leaflets/brochures. The Mathematics Department enabled the marketing skills of students in creating financial statements and tracking return of investments (ROIs). The English Department taught specific communication salesmanship skills. The MAPEH Department was in-charge for the decorative support which is creativity and booth design.
Science Department made sure students demonstrate safety and hygiene as top priorities. The Filipino and Social Studies Department etched nationalistic touch which paired well with students’ creative displays of Filipino delicacies. Finally, the Values Education Department made sure in maintaining teamwork and financial literacy.
Besides eating and drinking, the fair also conducted competitions which challenge the students’ creativity in business booth designs, packaging, advertising strategies, while determining the value of products. The Governing Council President Ben Lebig served as one of the board of judges.
“Eighty percent (80%) of the total profit from the products sold will be divided for each contributor while 20% will go to the TLE Department which will be a big help in purchasing tools and equipment in the laboratory,” TLE – ICT Subject Area Coordinator Silvester Aquino said.
He added, “This program will encourage young students of TPS to put up their own businesses in the future.”