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Young entrepreneurs win award for Fundamentools literacy aid
10:13, 05 May 2011
Multi-media kits that inspire children and adults to read have won students a top business award in their school's centenary year.
FUNdamentools, a company set up at Dover Grammar School for Girls, won the Kent and Medway Young Enterprise County Final held last night at the University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime.
Students shouted with joy as Professor Martin Snowden, Dean of the School of Science, presented the University of Greenwich Award.
They created a DVD, CD, book and characters Ella, James and Pip to appeal to primary school youngsters with learning difficulties as well as adults who need help with reading. The kits have won backing from The National Autistic Society.
Head teacher Matthew Bartlett said it was a great way to celebrate the foundation of the school 100 years ago. He paid tribute to the students for engaging with local primary schools and the wider community. "It's really special and I'm very proud that they are my students," he said.
Peter Reeves, chairman of the judges, said it was an innovative product with enormous potential for national and international sales. He praised the students for negotiating with business: "They have done the market research and found a niche that no one else has ever tried as far as I can see. They have a product which is going to be well received in this country and overseas."
FUNdamentools also won the Kent Foundation Award for the Most Innovative Product. Six student companies competed in the final. Other awards went to Dartford Grammar School for Girls (HSBC Award for Best Company Report), Rainham Mark Grammar School (KM Group Best Presentation Award), and the Folkestone School for Girls (Kent County Council Award for Best Display Stand).