Young people around the island were awarded the opportunity to explore their potential as innovators, and tap into their creativity, through participation in the DECA Idea Challenge.

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Idea Challenge, allows elementary, secondary and college students to find an innovative new use for a common, everyday item. This year, the students were granted the opportunity to generate a new use for rubber bands and create a video pitch of the new product.

The Gros-Islet Infant School was judged the winner in the elementary category of the DECA Idea Challenge.

Program officer for Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust, Wilton Jeremie, said the competition is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and provides students with a fun opportunity to be imaginative and creative.

“It looks at changing the mindset. Students are primarily concerned with academics at schools, but we want them to think of the bigger picture, and how they can positively impact the environment. For one, as we would have seen with the mystery item being rubber bands, but also economically for themselves, how could they use items within their surroundings to either help them make money, help them save, and really think differently about how they contribute to society.”

The DECA Super Stars from Gros Islet Infant School used their creativity to produce a “pencil leash” made out of rubber bands.

Principal at the Gros-Islet Infant School Merlisa Joseph-Charles is elated that the students were able to bring ideas to life and win the challenge.

“We have students who took part between the ages six and seven, quite young students, and they were very enthusiastic from day one. They were the ones with the ideas as to loop the bands. But what I love most is how they were ready within an hour to produce their product and present it to the world.”

Teacher at the Gros-Islet Infant School, Karla Forde-Daniel, said she is extremely pleased that the competition assisted the students with boosting their confidence and determination as it relates to creating a product.

The DECA Super Stars from the Gros Islet Infant School will receive a monetary award from DECA Incorporated.