Spreading a message that the drug trade is not the way to make cash
Leo and Simon with their wares
Two boys from Ealing are going into the sweet business this half-term as part of a campaign to raise awareness of business skills among the young.
During half term Simon and Leo have invested in a stock of sweets to sell in advance of Halloween.
‘Sweets Not Drugs’ aims to spread the message to secondary school pupils that there are many better ways to financial independence than getting involved in the drug trade. Teenagers and young adults in education locally are often approached by drug gang members with the enticement of plenty of ready cash.
Simon and Leo, decided to raise awareness of the dangers of getting approached and involved in the drug trade. The boys are on a mission to make their own legitimate money to prove their point – you don’t have to sell drugs to financially succeed.
Simon’s father, who is a local entrepreneur said, ‘I believe parents should start this conversation early. It is worth explaining to our children the associated dangers and the associated risks of selling drugs. What if we could direct that burning desire to make their own money and simply explain that there are so many other, legitimate, positive and fun ways to discover the basic principles of business?’.
Simon and Leo got an opportunity to paint a room, and they have done an immaculate job giving them the start-up capital for their business.
‘It was tiring, but it felt so good to realise that I absolutely can make money if I choose to work. It was also great to learn how to paint a wall – it is kind of fun,’ says Leo.
‘Finally I realised why I need to learn Maths,’ Simon says. ‘We had to calculate exactly how many sweets and packaging boxes we can buy, and how much we should sell them for to make a profit. So cool!’
Simon and Leo discussed ‘the unique selling point’ principle and concluded that sugar-free healthier options could be much more appealing to parents, people who hold the buying power. They also decided to create bespoke packaging for their sweets and invested in beautiful Halloween themed bags and boxes.
Simon’s father said, ‘I believe learning about business is a valuable lesson which should be encouraged and celebrated. We need to tackle the very core of what drives young people to get involved in the drug trade – their burning desire to succeed and to feel that they CAN create a quality life for themselves and their families when they grow up. And they can do it by selling anything else but drugs!’
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October 28, 2021
