HOPEHIV Project Launch

July 21 saw the launch of the Social Entrepreneurs Project at Strood Academy.

The Social Entrepreneurs Project is a scheme which allows students to use their imaginations, their business sense, and absolutely anything else at their disposal to turn £10 cash into as much money as possible to donate to HOPEHIV, a charity which support AIDS orphans in Africa.

We spent the day finding out about projects in Africa and how the scheme works, then students had 2 hours to put together their initial business plans and presentations prior to a "Dragon's Den" style selection process in the afternoon.

Our judges: Mrs Gunn from Strood Academy, Inga Patching from UCA, and Clive and Amanda who are also from UCA and have worked with the Gateway School of Fashion in Africa were extremely thorough in their questions and suggestions for the schemes presented.

They awarded the £10 per head seed capital, provided by UCA, to two groups initially. "Sweet and Simple" are planning to support HOPEHIV by producing glazed and edible jewellery, and "Musical Hope" are planning to organise musical events which combine a range of strategies to raise funds. There are other schemes being developed which are likely to gain approval in September.

These projects will run from September to May next year, and will form part of the 6th form contribution to our wider community.

Thank you to Nik Pears from HOPEHIV for hosting the day, to our "Dragons" for their advice and decisions, and most of all to the students for an excellent day with great ideas.