Scoops under new management

Scoops, an educational project which offers students hands-on experience in the running of a cooperative, is gaining momentum for the scholastic year 2002-2003.

As from this year, Outlook Coop has been entrusted by the Cooperatives Board, the owner of the project, with the exclusive management and implementation of the project in secondary schools.

Every year between 30 and 40 state, church and independent schools participate in the project, which is now in its eighth year.

Scoops is considered a viable and valuable experience for young people who may be interested in setting up a business enterprise after their school years.

Indeed, the National Minimum Curriculum lists Scoops as one of the activities which should be encouraged and supported as it aims to bridge the gap between school and the world of work. Every year an average of 1,200 students participate in Scoops.

The Scoops calendar starts with the introduction of the project to Form 3 students and the setting up of the individual Scoops throughout October and November. A teacher-managers' seminar will be held on December 7 and the annual Scoops conference, 'Vetrina Scoops', around the third week of January.

The conference is an important event as it is an occasion for all participants to meet on a national level, get to know each other and their respective activities and discuss the project in general.

This year, Vetrina Scoops will include the inauguration of a radically re-vamped Scoops website. The website will be interactive and dynamic and a virtual meeting place for Scoops participants and all those with an interest in this project.

Throughout March, Outlook Coop will organise visits to cooperatives for the participants, allowing the students to appreciate how cooperatives can be viable business organisations in today's competitive marketplace.

The final activity on a national level in the Scoops calendar is the annual Scoops Fair. This is an opportunity for the Scoops to offer their products and services to the public. It is a fitting end to a busy year for the students who have the satisfaction of seeing their products or services appreciated by an increasingly demanding consumer.

For more information on Scoops, please contact Outlook Coop on 21441604.