6th grade students form committees in preparation of their fundraising event. Funds raised will be invested in the vocational training of their Afghan peers.
On, Saturday, November 7, from 1:00-4:00pm at the Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls 6th grade students participating in the U.S./Afghan Junior Investor pilot program will be staging a community event to raise funds that will enroll up to 30 Afghan students in a vocational training program.
Because this program is designed to help develop the business skills of students in both countries, these 6th graders are going to become mini business owners at this event; selling products, entertainment, artwork, or services to the public in order to raise money for this program. Students will be selling a wide variety of items including baked goods, handmade jewelry, and art, as well as coupons for services like babysitting or yard work. Other will be doing performances, dancing or doing magic for donations. In preparation, they are learning product pricing, marketing, advertising and promotion, distribution and sales techniques.
The goal is to teach kids the value of money and business, and the ripple effect that it can create when invested properly. U.S. students will get to follow the effects of their donation as Afghan students send regular progress reports, and teach the U.S. students everything they are learning. After completion of the vocational training, the Afghan students should be able to have a small business up and running, and able to help contribute to the economic strength of their community,
This November 7th event is free and open to the public.