Schools

Q. How much time is involved in the programme?

A. The flexibility lies with the teacher(s) and the students.  We recommend that at least one hour of student time per week should be devoted to Achievers International. See Timescales for more information.

Q. What age and how many students should be in the company?

Q. How much does the programme cost?

Q. How would we raise funds for our company?

A. The possibilities are endless.  Past methods of raising capital have included selling stock/shares in your company, holding raffles, competitions and school discos.  Raising sponsorship from local businesses, donations, car boot/garage sales, organising events for staff, e.g. staff lunches, sponsored events. The choice is yours!

Q. Who would be our partner group?

A. If you already have a link with a school in another country, you may wish to enhance that particular relationship by asking them to become your Achievers International partner.  If your local area has a Twin Town or Sister City, perhaps you could source a partner school there.  If your school does not have any links, Achievers International will allocate you a suitable partner.

Q. What types of product do Achievers International companies import and export?

A. Over the past few years companies have bought and sold products including; Dream catchers, children’s clothes, football strips, almost every tartan product you can imagine, stationery items, jewellery, Maple Syrup, key-rings, Fudge, Shortbread, chocolates, Drinking mugs, Tea Towels, toys, Pillow Buddies (pillows shaped like animals), cosmetics, sheepskin mittens, ornaments, audio tapes, Beanie Babies, and native crafts, e.g. carved ornaments, friendship bracelets etc.

Companies conduct market research to determine suitable products for import and export.  The training materials give guidelines on this.  In terms of quantity, you can exchange as many or as few items as you and your partner decide.

Q. Can we import/export any products we choose?

Q. How often should we communicate with our partner group?

A. As frequently as possible, but we recommend companies e-mail each other at least once per week.  See Importance of Communication for more information.

Others

Q. How can my business support an Achievers International school company?

A. Contact the Achievers International office and ask if there are any participating schools in your area.  You can then offer your advice and support to the student company.  Any request from the students will be specific and relevant with your time and resources in mind.  Supporting an Achievers International company could provide increased press coverage and give you an opportunity to export to a new market.  Your practical support of enterprise education could also improve public relations, whilst giving you experience of mentoring students.

Q. As an employer should I value potential employees' participation in the programme?

A. Undoubtedly.  The feedback we have received from a variety of employers has reinforced that the numerous interpersonal and technical skills attained by students are highly regarded.  Here are just some of the skills gained by Achievers International students; numeracy, negotiation, leadership, team working, dealing with customers, technological ability, networking and improved written & oral communication.

Q. As a Rotarian, how can I help Achievers International companies in my District?

A. It depends on what help the school company needs, but you can offer expertise of your Club members - setting up and running a company, exporting, marketing and selling goods, contacts with manufacturers and suppliers, etc. Contact the Achievers International office for details of schools in your area.

Q. As an Education Department, what can we do to promote Achievers International in our schools?

A. You can distribute Achievers International leaflets or newsletters to schools in your area, hold information sessions about the programme or make presentations to teachers and students.  Many education departments have organised events for schools who have expressed an interest in the programme.  Contact the Achievers International office if you would like to promote the programme in your area.