Eleven mini-companies created by sixth form students representing five colleges set up shop in St Anne’s Square, Sliema yesterday as part of the Junior Achievement - Young Enterprise National Trade Fair.
Dr Jason Azzopardi, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, inaugurated yesterday’s fair.
The teams participating in this year’s HSBC JA-YE (Malta) Company Programme are keen to finally exhibit the result of their hard work throughout the past six months, proposing some impressive products. JA-Young Enterprise (YE) teams are by now well renowned for annually producing a vast range of innovative yet very reasonably priced products, to suit adults and children alike.
The budding entrepreneurs already had the opportunity to showcase their work in the Jum il-Belt activity, organised by the Valletta Local Council in St George’s Square. Dr Alexei Dingli, Mayor of Valletta, visited the stands and was visibly impressed by the products on offer.
“This years’ selection of products includes a software programme, some useful utensils and a good selection of environmentally friendly products,” said Lorna Farrugia Manager, of JA-YE (Malta). “Apart from being promising entrepreneurs, students are aware of their social responsibilities, particularly towards the environment.”
SMS software known as ‘Send me Later’ will be available from 3Squared, a company from St Aloysius College. Koncentrik from St Aloysius College will be offering cases for headphones known as Efiks. E-Nova, also from Junior College, will be offering an LED ornament whilst Triplezero from St Aloysius College have come up with Easychop, a useful kitchen utensil. Rhymed from St Edwards College have come up with a book of rhymes which can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, whilst SyMeC from St Martin’s College have produced Jotters which promises to be a unique notebook.
Re-Cre8 from St Aloysius College have come up with Re-Hydr8 which measures the water used when watering plants. Rewined from De La Salle College is offering a recycled bottle for platters known as Multiplat. A recycled wool ball for tumble dryers will be available from Simple Solutions from Junior College. Eco-Log, from St Aloysius College, will be offering a log made from olive husk and Glazed, also from St Aloysius College, will be offering recycled cloth glazed into boxes.
“As can be seen from the varied products on offer our youngsters are doing their utmost to put forward a green business,” said Josef Camilleri, chairman of the organisation.
JA-YE (Malta) formerly known as Young Enterprise, which has been running for over 20 years, is supported by HSBC Bank Malta as the main sponsor, and by GO and Air Malta respectively as official communications partner and official carrier.