Young Co-operatives
Students across the country are benefiting from the Co-operative College’s Young Co-operatives scheme, which gives young people the chance to set up their own business. These businesses are run as co-operatives and are motivated not just by profit, but by the needs of their members and the wider community.
Students in Young Co-operatives learn about innovation, creativity, risk management, a ‘can do’ approach and ethical considerations, as well as how to work with one another. Each member has an equal stake in the business and an equal opportunity to make decisions.
Fairtrade
Young Co-operatives started as a Fairtrade model, with students often setting up Fairtrade tuck shops or stalls selling Fairtrade products and raising awareness amongst their customers of the benefits Fairtrade brings to some of the world’s poorest communities.
Two new projects are now available – the Greenfingers horticultural growing scheme, and the Recon waste management programme. “Do it! It’s the best thing I’ve done this year.” Is the advice of Sarah, who helped run a Young Co-operative in her school.
Young Co-operatives in Action
At Sandwich Technology School in Kent, food waste from the school canteen is collected and recycled into compost as part of the Recon programme. This is used on the school allotment to grow produce which is sold back to the school chefs. Any money made is used to purchase new seeds and plants for next year’s group. In addition, ink cartridges and waste paper are collected and recycled. Sandwich Technology School also has a wind turbine which produces enough energy to power two homes.
Students from the Madras College Enterprise Co-operative in Fife used the profits from their school’s Fairtrade tuck shop to set up a garden themed business selling bulbs, as well as planters, bird boxes and feeders. The profits are being reinvested in more environmental and gardening businesses.
Teaching resources
Free teaching resources on Fairtrade, Greenfingers and Recon are available from www.enterprisevillage.org.uk.
Organisation
The Co-operative College
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Website
co-op.ac.uk
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