Centre Number: 060844
Level: Form 4
Learning Area: Economics
Project Title: The Impact of Vending on School Learning Environment
Objective: To examine how vending activities around the school affect the learning
environment and to propose a solution that balances economic activity and education.
Stage 1: Problem Identification
Statement of Problem:
Vending activities around Pamushana High School have increased. Vendors sell food,
gadgets, and stationery near school premises. While this provides convenience, it causes
noise, littering, and distractions that affect students’ concentration and learning.
Statement of Intent:
To design an economic system that organizes vending around the school into a more
structured and less disruptive format.
Design Specifications:
The solution must reduce noise and distractions.
Vendors must be relocated to a designated vending zone.
The school must benefit economically (e.g., by charging vendors a small fee).
Minimal costs and maximum cooperation should be ensured.
Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas
Idea 1: Vending Bans (Used in Mutare Schools)
Strengths: Reduced noise and distraction.
Weaknesses: Loss of income for vendors, students have to walk long distances for
lunch.
Idea 2: Designated Vendor Zones (Used in Harare CBD)
Strengths: Structured vending, reduced street chaos.
Weaknesses: Needs enforcement and infrastructure (shelters, tables).
Idea 3: Mobile Vending Carts (Used in Masvingo)
Strengths: Clean and movable, keeps vendors off the school fence.
Weaknesses: High setup costs.
Idea 4: School-run Tuckshops (Used at Gokomere High School)
Strengths: Controlled environment, school earns revenue.
Weaknesses: Limited variety and competition may be discouraged.
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas
Idea 1: Establish a Vending Zone 50m from School Gate
Strengths: Reduces direct distractions and maintains accessibility.
Weaknesses: May require approval from local authorities.
Idea 2: School Issues Vendor Licenses with Code of Conduct
Strengths: Encourages discipline and accountability.
Weaknesses: Hard to monitor.
Idea 3: School-Owned Vending Shelters with Rent
Strengths: Revenue generation for school.
Weaknesses: Start-up funds needed.
Stage 4: Development of Selected Idea
Selected Idea: Establish a vending zone 50m from the school gate and issue vendor licenses
with a vendor code of conduct.
Justification:
Balances economic activity with educational discipline.
Cost-effective and easy to implement with local council support.
Materials Needed:
Printed vendor IDs
Signposts for vending area
Trash bins and code of conduct posters
Development Process:
School consults with local council.
Vending area is marked and prepared.
Vendors registered and issued IDs.
Posters showing rules placed at vending area.
Stage 5: Presentation of Results
Criteria Before Implementation After Implementation
Noise Levels Near Classrooms High Low
Littering on School Grounds Frequent Rare
Student Concentration Frequently disturbed Improved
Revenue for School None ZWL $1500/month
Photos or drawings of the vending site and vendor ID examples can be attached to this
section.
Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations
Challenges Faced:
Convincing some vendors to relocate.
Initial resistance from students used to quick access.
Recommendations:
Introduce permanent vending sheds with shade.
Rotate vendor spaces fairly to encourage participation.
Extend project to boarding schools and other day schools.
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