2019

The Theme of Environmental Education Dominates the Competition for Student Learning Companies

In pre-holiday spirit, the Domina Shopping mall hosted the annual student learning company market “Another Bazaar in Winter”, bringing together 270 student learning companies from all over Latvia. JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM) congratulated the most socially responsible student learning companies in supporting students' creativity and encouraging them to think sustainably.

“We have established long-term cooperation with the team of Junior Achievement Latvia not only within the framework of the “Another Bazaar” project, but also in other events arranged by the organization. It is nice to see an increasing number of student learning companies incorporating social responsibility, such as environmental concerns, into their plans - a motto that was noticeable in most businesses present. This year's winning teams, both in the group of primary and secondary education, were keen to address the challenges that they themselves face, so we are delighted with the solutions they offer that are both efficient and sustainable,” says Renāte Ribaka, a member of the jury of the student learning company contest representing LVM.

Student learning company “ECOVER” from Riga French Lyceum, which offers lycra cloth textbook covers was chosen as the most socially responsible student learning company in the group of secondary school students.

In the primary school group, LVM awarded its recognition to the student learning company “Animal World” from Madona City Secondary School, which offers reflective vests and straps for pets.

As part of the Latvian student learning company event, not only visitors but also experienced professionals from businesses, academia, the financial sector and public administration took part in the awards ceremony and presented seven nominations: Best Stand, Most Innovative Business Idea, Best Sales Team, Most Commercial Company, Social Media Communication Manager, Knowledge Based Company and in the nomination supported by LVM - Most Socially Responsible Company.

“Students have become more creative and socially responsible. This year, they focused on eco-friendly and zero waste products. A vacuum cleaner made of recycled materials, a green lifestyle starter kit, innovative water mugs - it is amazing what they have done in such a short time! I am also delighted with the great interest and the number of people who purchased the student-created products. This is a huge support and motivation for young people from student learning companies to grow and develop into serious players in the market,” says Jānis Krievāns, Chairman of the Board of Junior Achievement Latvia.

A student learning company is an educational company run and managed by school students and it has educational nature. Student learning companies act as a real company for learning purposes and operate in a real environment - students produce and sell goods or services, gaining practical business skills that can be further developed.

The event organized by Junior Achievement Latvia is implemented within the framework of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia project “Innovation Motivation Programme”, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Union.