BUDDING entrepreneurs from a small primary school that’s fighting for its survival have earned national acclaim after cooking up a treat.
Headteacher Gari Evans with pupils Lydia May, Elwen Wright, Megan Wright, Destiny Wilkinson, Carl May and Hawys Owen-Casey. Picture: Mandy Jones
Now six enterprising students have underlined the depth of talent on its books by launching a successful business venture called Blas y Llan (Taste of the Village) selling jars of jam and syrup using rhubarb they grew themselves.
At the bug house are Lydia May and Destiny Wilkinson. The pupils fed the Sap from their jam making to the bugs. Picture: Mandy Jones
The youngsters competed against other schools from across Wales in this year's Enterprise Troopers competition.
They made the final shortlist of 10 contenders and then claimed second place out of the whole of Wales.
Pupil Hawys Owen-Casey, 11, who is preparing to move to Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph in September, said: "I never even thought we would get through the first round, so to come second is great.
Elwen Wright with a rhubarb sauce. Picture Mandy Jones
"We've tried out what we made and it tasted nice. It's very nice we can get to do this because we are such a small school."
About 100 jars were sold to the public. The venture proved successful and a profit of £160 was returned.
Funds raised are set to go back into the business, as the school looks to enjoy further success in the competition next year.
The business-savvy pupils spent several weeks working diligently on the project,
This included spending time in the kitchen ensuring they had the perfect recipe for the jam and syrup, as well as making a video showcasing their venture.
Elwen and Megan Wright by the herb garden. Picture: Mandy Jones
Created by the Welsh Government's Big Ideas Wales programme, Enterprise Troopers encourages primary school youngsters to display their entrepreneurial talents.
Headteacher Gari Evans said: "The whole school community is very proud of the pupils.
"I think a few of the pupils have got the bug for being entrepreneurs and would like to do things like this again in the future."
Ysgol Llannefydd pupils and enterprise troopers with their Blas Y Llan Jams and sauces made out of ingredients from the school garden. Picturd is the original design for their labels. Picture Mandy Jones
While there’s no imminent threat of closure, there is increasing concern because the number of pupils has dropped to 11.
If the school roll goes under 10 it will trigger an automatic review of the school’s future.
The campaign team at the Welsh language school have launched a recruitment drive in St Asaph and Bodelwyddan.
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