📝 Project Title: Affordable Stationery Supply Business for Students in Cowdray
Park
Name of School: St Columba’s High School
Centre Number: 100332
Name of Learner: Xaba Mehluli
Candidate Number: 3144
Level: O’Level
Learning Area: Business Studies / Enterprise
Syllabus Topic: Entrepreneurship and Community Needs
Syllabus Sub-topic: Starting a Small Business
Project Objectives
- To identify the main challenges students face in accessing affordable
stationery.
- To design a simple business model that supplies low-cost stationery.
- To test if a small-scale supply system can meet student needs.
- To raise awareness about budgeting and resource-sharing among students.
- To encourage youth entrepreneurship and problem-solving.
Project Description
This project focuses on creating a small business that supplies affordable
stationery to students in Cowdray Park. Many learners struggle to buy pens,
books, rulers, and other materials. I wanted to find out what items are most
needed, how much students can afford, and whether a small business can
help. I designed a mini supply system, tested it with a few classmates, and
created a poster to promote the idea.
Project Execution Plan
I started by identifying the problem through interviews and observation.
Then I researched existing stationery shops and prices. I created a simple
business plan, tested a mini supply system, and designed a poster to
promote the idea. I presented my findings to my class.
STAGE 1: PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
1.1 Identify the Problem
Many students at St Columba’s High School struggle to afford basic
stationery. Some borrow from friends or go without.
1.2Describe the Problem
Without proper stationery, learners at St Columba’s find it hard to
complete homework, take notes, or participate in class. This affects
learning and confidence. Shops nearby sell stationery, but prices are often
too high for some families.
1.3 State Your Intention
I want to find out how a small business at St Columba’s High School can
supply affordable stationery to students and reduce the problem.
1.4Main Theme
Empowering students through affordable access to learning materials.
1.5 Set Design Specifications
- Must be affordable for students
- Use bulk buying or donations to reduce costs
- Be simple and easy to run by youth or school clubs
- Raise awareness about budgeting and sharing
- Be sustainable and grow over time
- Use posters or social media to promote the idea
STAGE 2: INVESTIGATION OF RELATED SOLUTIONS AND IDEAS
2.1 Research Existing Solutions
- School tuckshops
- Bulk buying from wholesalers
- Donation drives
- Peer-to-peer sharing systems
2.2 Collect and Record Data
1. School Tuckshops
Some schools sell stationery, but prices are still high. Stock is limited and not
always available.
2. Bulk Buying from Wholesalers
Buying in bulk reduces cost per item. One shop in town sells pens at $0.20
each if bought in packs of 50.
3. Donation Drives
Some churches and NGOs donate stationery, but it’s not regular. Students
often don’t know when or how to access it.
4. Peer-to-Peer Sharing
Some students lend each other pens or books, but this is informal and not
reliable.
2.3 Analyse the Data
1. School Tuckshops
Advantages:
- Easy access for students during break times
- Familiar and trusted by learners
- Can be managed by school authorities or clubs
Disadvantages:
- Prices are often too high for low-income students
- Stock is limited and may not include essential stationery
- Not focused on stationery as a priority item
2. Bulk Buying from Wholesalers
Advantages:
- Reduces cost per item, making it more affordable
- Can serve many students at once
- Scalable — the system can grow with demand
Disadvantages:
- Requires startup money to buy in bulk
- Needs planning and organization to manage stock
- Risk of leftover items if demand is low
3. Donation Drives
Advantages:
- Free supplies for students who need them
- Builds community support and involvement
- Can attract sponsors like churches or NGOs
Disadvantages:
- Not consistent — donations may come irregularly
- Depends heavily on external donors
- Limited control over what items are donated
4. Peer-to-Peer Sharing
Advantages:
- Encourages teamwork and cooperation
- No cost involved for students
- Builds trust and responsibility among peers
Disadvantages:
- Items may get lost or damaged
- Not reliable — depends on who is willing to share
- No formal system to track or manage sharing
2.4 Make Recommendations
- Start a student-run stationery supply club at St Columba’s
- Buy items in bulk and sell at low prices
- Use posters to promote the business
- Partner with churches or NGOs for donations
- Offer discounts or loyalty cards
STAGE 3: GENERATION OF IDEAS
3.1 Creation of New Ideas
- “Smart Supplies” student-run business
- Loyalty card system (buy 5 pens, get 1 free)
- Stationery donation box at St Columba’s High School
- Awareness poster: “No Pen, No Progress”
3.2 Modify Existing Solutions
- Tuckshop: Add stationery section with lower prices
- Bulk buying: Use class contributions to buy together
- Donations: Create a regular donation calendar
- Sharing: Set up a “borrow and return” station
3.3 Experimenting and Testing
1. Mini Supply Test
I bought 20 pens in bulk and sold them at $0.25 each (normal price is $0.50).
15 pens were sold in 2 days.
2. Poster Test
I made a poster with the message “No Pen, No Progress – Get Yours Here!”
and put it near the classroom at St Columba’s. Some students asked where
to buy, others ignored it.
3. Donation Box
I placed a box labeled “Stationery Donations” near the school entrance. One
teacher donated 3 exercise books. No students donated.
3.4 Presentation of Ideas
- Smart Supplies club
- Bulk buying system
- Awareness poster
- Donation box
STAGE 4: DEVELOPMENT OF IDEAS
4.1 Choose the Best Idea
4.2 I chose the awareness poster because it is simple, powerful, and
can quickly reach many students at St Columba’s High School. It helps
spread the message and encourages students to take action.
4.3 Refine Your Idea
4.4 I designed a bold poster with the slogan: “No Pen, No Progress –
Get Yours Here!”
It includes the name of the club, prices of items, and a call to action. I used
bright colors and large fonts to make it eye-catching. I placed it near
classrooms and the school entrance.
4.3 Analyze and Synthesize
4.4 The poster attracted attention from students and teachers. Some
asked where to buy stationery, while others suggested adding more
details. I learned that visual communication is effective in raising
awareness and promoting ideas.
4.5 Create a Prototype
4.6 I created a printed version of the poster with the slogan, logo,
and price list. I tested it by displaying it in high-traffic areas at St
Columba’s High School. It helped spark interest in the stationery
supply idea.
STAGE 5: PRESENTATION OF RESULTS
I presented the awareness poster to my class at St Columba’s High School. I
explained the slogan, the purpose of the message, and how it connects to
the stationery supply idea. I shared feedback from students and encouraged
others to support the initiative.
✅ STAGE 6: EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Evaluate Your Project
I learned how to use visual tools to promote ideas and raise awareness. The
poster test worked well. It attracted attention and helped communicate the
message clearly. The donation box had limited success, but the overall
response was positive.
6.2 Link Back to Your Intention
My goal was to reduce stationery challenges for students at St Columba’s
High School. The project showed that awareness and communication are key
to solving community problems.
6.3 Make Recommendations
- Print more posters and place them around the school
- Add QR codes or contact info for students to order stationery
- Partner with local shops or donors
- Teach students basic design and marketing skills
- Use posters to promote other school initiatives
Want me to design the actual awareness poster now? I can match your style
— bold, clean, or with a gritty street vibe. Just say the word.
