TEAMS from six schools in Fife took part in a very ambitious challenge during February-to turn a seed fund of just £1 into as much money as possible, and both Beath and Lochgelly High Schools were highly successful.

In a combined effort, teams of third and second year pupils at Beath, Buckhaven, Glenwood, Inverkeithing, Lochgelly and Viewforth High Schools, amassed over £1790 for charity.

Discovering and developing their enterprise and business skills the young people turned into entrepreneurs to planning their own strategies to grow their profit.

The project, which is called ‘Micro Tyco’, is run in partnership with Fife Council’s Economic Development team and Scottish charity WildHearts, who use the money raised to help potential entrepreneurs in third world countries work their way out of poverty by means of microloans.

Support for the teams was provided by the Royal Bank of Scotland and Fife Council, to help offer entrepreneurial wisdom, and to give advice which could help with their planning and bring forth ideas. In that, they also gained some insight into the aspiring minds of Scotland’s future.

The young people managed to take part in a range of activities to generate as much money as they could. Some of the initiatives carried out included a car wash, baking sales, raffles, Film Screenings, a Mario Kart competition, sponsored walk, 5-a-side competition, and a Valentine’s rose sale.

Beath High’s venture (see picture below) made a total of £350, while the LHS idea (above) made £224.89.

Councillor Lesley Laird, Executive Spokesperson for Economy & Planning said, “This is a worthy initiative that helps to support enterprise skills in both our young people and those in third world countries. Their passion and enthusiasm has been incredible and is shown through the amount they raised for WildHearts” Councillor Bryan Poole, spokesperson for Education, Children, Young People and Families, added, “These young people are our future business leaders and initiatives like this support the discovery and development of their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills.” Dougie Bell, Director of Business Banking at the Royal Bank of Scotland, explained, “Supporting young people across Fife is vital to the continued growth of the Kingdom’s economy. Nurturing and mentoring them helps them towards a securer future.”