At Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake (MAS), students embraced the "Capital for Good" philosophy, leading a completely student-driven charity bazaar that successfully raised 10,038.22 RMB. All proceeds were donated to UNICEF to support global children's health and education.
This event was not only a fundraiser but also a real, hands-on lesson in economics and social responsibility. Through this process, the power of student leadership was undeniable. They applied core economic principles and social responsibility by organizing stalls, setting prices, calculating costs, and coordinating cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The event was spearheaded by our Head Boy Percy and his team, showcasing the strength of student-led initiatives. Under the guidance of teachers, students not only learned how to apply commercial thinking to solve real-world problems but also realized how capital can be a force for social progress and spreading goodwill.
The charity bazaar also highlighted the value of Learner Agency, with each student playing an important role in different aspects of the event. From this experience, they gained valuable lessons not only in economics but also in teamwork, problem-solving, and social responsibility.
Through this charity bazaar, the principles of Economics were brought to life, making it an accessible tool for every student to understand, experience, and apply:
Business Economics: How to set prices? How to calculate costs? How to establish profit margins?
Commercial Awareness: How to attract customers? How to arrange the stall? How to handle unexpected situations?
Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: Marie, an art student from the Student Council, designed the posters; Marco, a talented photographer, captured the event; and Alan, a skilled editor, produced the promotional video.
Social Responsibility: All donation details were made transparent, with clear purposes for the donations, while fostering awareness of global humanitarian issues.
This represents a more inclusive form of economic education. Whether students have studied Economics, their level of English, or their academic ability, everyone can participate without barriers and gain a sense of belonging and achievement.
Capital for Good, Led by Learners
At MAS, we advocate "Capital for Good".
But more than that, we empower students to lead that charge. This was not just a teacher-led project—it was a learner-driven initiative.
Students took full ownership of the planning, the teamwork, and the execution of the event. Teachers acted as mentors, guiding them to achieve their goals, but the Learner Agency was in full effect, with students developing crucial skills in leadership, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
As Percy, our Head Boy, said:
“Charity isn’t just about giving—it’s about solving problems and making kindness scalable.”
Growth Beyond the Classroom
In just one event, students experienced weeks’ worth of learning:
✅ Commercial awareness
✅ Leadership & responsibility
✅ Collaboration & creativity
✅Material for UCAS personal statements and interview prep
Ready AY Ready.
Through purpose, compassion, and community, our students are learning how to turn values into value.
#Inclusion #EconomicsEducation #CapitalForGood #LearnerAgency #StudentLeadership #UNICEF #ReadyAYReady
