St. Vincent's 7th graders become entrepreneurs and raise $1,500 for Japan earthquake victims

Intermountain Catholic

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SALT LAKE CITY — The 7th Grade class at Saint Vincent de Paul’s Catholic School worked hard in May becoming entrepreneurs and creating small businesses to help raise money for Japan earthquake relief. During religion class, teacher Alice Hall dared her students to donate $5 of their own money, but instead of just donating it, she challenged them to work in teams of three and come up with a small business idea that would grow their money exponentially.

Students could use their $5 for supplies needed to start their business or for advertising posters or flyers. Their creativity was in full force getting the school community involved. Handmade bracelets and a variety of thank you cards were made and sold, ice cream and snow cone carts were set up after school, some students sold "Hope for Japan" rubber wristbands, while other students became gardeners and house cleaners.

At the end of the month in religion class, students had to write a report and make oral presentations about their businesses. Their efforts were then tallied and a check was written for $1,500 to Catholic Relief Services Japan Fund. The money raised will be used to help those people most affected by the earthquake and supply them with blankets, medicine and food.

Alice Hall, 6th-grade teacher, said, "One of the best parts about this project was not only hearing about the students projects but having the students express their feelings about the project in a journal at the beginning, middle and end. It was good to read that many of my students’ attitudes changed during the month.

"Some had expressed doubt and no ownership at the beginning of the project but by the end they felt ownership and really good about themselves. They were especially happy with the $1,500 outcome and were glad to be helping other human beings who are in need of assistance."