Enterprising pupils in primary and secondary schools across North Lanarkshire have been honoured at this year's Social Enterprise in Education Awards in Edinburgh.
The 2024 campaign focused on 'impact and legacy', and schools were awarded for ‘demonstrating outstanding creativity and commitment to social good, significantly impacting their communities’.
The annual awards event provides an exciting opportunity for young people to share their learning, network with other Social Enterprise Schools and swap ideas for future ventures.
Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families, praised those involved: "These enterprises create community spirit while also providing invaluable skills to pupils - it's a shining example of innovative education in action.
"Congratulations to everyone involved on your wonderful enterprises, which are truly inspiring.”
Event organisers commended nine North Lanarkshire schools for their inspiring enterprises and initiatives.
In Motherwell, Bothwell Park School launched a successful school café, offering breakfast rolls, home baking, and teas and coffees to staff at their school and neighbouring Our Lady's High School.
The school plans to expand this enterprise while also working towards a zero food waste programme.
In Cumbernauld, Greenfaulds High School students developed 'The Coffee Pod'. The café uses a whiteboard and letterbox to encourage conversations about mental health as part of a drive to challenge negative perceptions about this issue.
New Monkland Primary pupils have been busy creating and selling their wax melts under the 'Magic Melts' project. The Airdrie school also runs 'Pockets of Positivity,' a calendar with messages to boost mental health and well-being.
St Aidan’s Primary pupils sell seasonal goods to fund parcels for babies and their families at the nearby Wishaw Maternity Neonatal Unit.
Following a successful 2023 cookbook social enterprise, St Augustine's Primary School will host a teddy bear picnic and sell teddy bear keyrings to support youth mental health and protect the environment with recycled materials. Proceeds will go to support St Andrew's Hospice.
With over a decade of social enterprise experience, St Bernard’s Primary in Coatbridge has launched three new initiatives: an advent foodbank campaign, selling reusable Christmas cups and running a community café.
Meanwhile, pupils at St Timothy's Primary School in Coatbridge have been busy creating craft products by upcycling everyday materials, giving them new life and demonstrating environmental responsibility.
In memory of a much-loved teacher lost to cancer, Stepps Primary School pupils make bandanas, headbands, and bags, donating profits to Beatson Hospital to support those battling illness.
Finally, pupils at Whitelees Primary School in Cumbernauld deliver community care packages – including treats and hot drinks – to local groups. The school funds these through its weekly Fairtrade tuckshop.
This year, the Social Enterprise Academy, which runs the awards scheme, collaborated with over 200 schools throughout Scotland. A total of 132 schools were honoured, and 52 schools attended the awards ceremony.
Kirsty Lynch, Head of Social Enterprise in Schools (Scotland) at the Social Enterprise Academy, said: “It has been incredible this year to be truly inspired by the highest number of diverse young people taking part in the Social Enterprise Schools Programme across Scotland.
"It is important to celebrate and recognise all our young people and give them a huge thank you for all their hard work over the last year, as well as the teachers and schools who support them.”