BUDDING entrepreneurs were inspired by nature and conservation in Africa as they battled it out Apprentice-style at an annual Industry Day.
Sixth formers at Barnard Castle School took part in the 14th annual event mentored by local business people and judged by a panel of experts.
The initiative is designed to give students a taste of industry and has inspired countless students over the years to study business at university and run their own operations.
This year the project took inspiration from a 25-year-long friendship between the school and the Kipsaina Education and Environment Partnership (KEEP) in Kenya.
In the past students have travelled over to Africa to help build schools and work on environmental projects thanks to a link forged between UK filmmaker turned biology teacher Sam Forsyth and Kenyan environmentalist, educator and community activist Maurice Wanjala.
Maurice is director of Kipsaina Crane and Wetland Conservation Group (KCWCG) whose aims are to protect and enhance the vital wetland ecosystems of Western Kenya, particularly, those surrounding Saiwa Swamp – the smallest National Park in Kenya.
By video link he told students: “We have done much to protect the wetlands taking on important conservation work. We have planted one million trees along the margins, fruit and nut trees that people are now directly benefiting from. We have fish farms and seed cultivation, sustainable opportunities that improve lives and contribute to helping the global climate.”
He urged students to come up with a product and a marketing campaign that would ‘benefit water, wealth and wildlife’ and become a ‘beacon of hope for the rebuilding of the natural environment’.
Year 12 students divided into teams, each with an industry expert, spending the day developing sustainable products and appropriate marketing material, including a TikTok video, which were then presented to judges.
Products ranged from plastic-free bees wax wraps, skin care creams and beauty products made from bamboo and avocados to healthy crisps, mango, guava and tomato drinks and a creamer for coffee lovers.
The winners were Maca Hair, a sustainably produced shampoo made from locally sourced macadamia nuts, with health benefits for the scalp and hair, who were mentored by property developer and Old Barnardian Tom Atha. He said: “I love Industry Day and it’s the fifth time I have taken part. It’s the first time I have won, in fact previous years my team has been near the bottom.
“We didn’t have Industry Day when I was at school but I think it is a great idea as it leaves the students inspired.”
Team member Zara Dobson, 17, of Barnard Castle, added: “I loved working in a team to come up with the idea and marketing plan and I think we have all learned a great deal from the experience.”
Mr Forsyth said: “The great thing about this year’s Industry Day is that hopefully some of these amazing ideas can be put into practice one day to help communities and the environment.”
