Practicing entrepreneurship education for secondary pupils through the operation of a new year stall in Hong Kong

Abstract

The existing business curriculum in Hong Kong secondary schools lacks significant programs in entrepreneurship education. This paper will look at the effect of the implementation of an entrepreneurial activity, the running of a New Year stall, on pupils. This research will look at three schools of different bandings which participated in the running of New Year stalls. Both teachers and pupils of the three schools taking part in the activity were recruited. In-depth interviews were conducted with teachers and pupils were both surveyed and interviewed. The findings in this study show the effectiveness of the activity as part of entrepreneurship education to teach secondary pupils many aspects related to work. This study clearly indicates that teachers and pupils found great value in entrepreneurship education and confirms that entrepreneurship education encourages the development of skills and attributes that employers are looking for such as teamwork, commitment and flexibility. It could also help to develop in pupils a realistic knowledge and understanding of business and working life. © 2008 De La Salle University-Manila, Philippines.