Eight students from Union University’s Enactus organization dedicated time this semester to invest in elementary/middle school students in the Jackson area, teaching them about the world of business and economics through their “World at Play” project.
Not only does the organization function to educate the community, it also provides Union students with the opportunity to grow professionally and to develop valuable leadership skills.
The World at Play project began Feb. 4 and ended March 4, with the World at Play Expo.
Twice a week for three weeks, two Union Enactus students teach interactive lessons to the sixth grade in their classrooms.
Each class was assigned a specific country, and then must design a toy for that country’s children.
Students had to research the country to understand the environment as well as the children’s hobbies and to ensure their toy fits the right dynamics.
This year, students had to create a toy that has a recycled product component.
Tigrett Middle School and Trinity Christian Academy were the two participating schools this year, with a total of four teams in the competition.
New judging criteria was adapted to allow for more awards to be given to the students, said Kate Lawrence, senior marketing major and project coordinator.
“Currently we only give the 1st place award, and our team felt like that wasn’t enough,” said Lawrence. “There is so much competition and we believe more students should be recognized for their hard work.”
The teams presented their designs to judges at the expo, held March 12 at Union’s Carl Grants Event Center.
The winning students were from Trinity Christian Academy and received the honor of adding the school’s name to the World at Play trophy and the rights of displaying the trophy for the next year.
