Released 22/06/2017
Four Canberra high schools yesterday pitched their entrepreneurial ideas at the It’s Your Move Festival of Great Ideas for the chance to secure funding for their healthy school projects.
As one of three judges on the panel at the event, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris said the inspiring pitches from high school students highlight the importance Canberra’s youth place on living healthier and more active lifestyles.
“I’m pleased to announce the winning pitch was awarded to Lanyon High for their idea to offer after-school sporting activities for students to play non-competitive sports for free, while making new friends,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Runner-up Calwell High will receive $1,000 of funding that will assist the students to further develop their fruit-infused water bottle idea into a live concept for their high school, enabling students to drink fruit flavoured water rather than sugary drinks.
“Amaroo School will receive $500 of funding to develop their fidget spinner for students which will decrease the uptake of smoking, and will keep them busy not thinking about cigarettes.
“Canberra Girls Grammar School will receive $500 towards their “Grammar Guidance” online booking system for students, making counselling appointments more accessible, along with some written resources for the student school diary.
“I’d like to congratulate the high schools students who participated in the It’s Your Move Festival of Great Ideas; these pitches highlight your incredible dedication and foresight to build healthier school communities.”
Over the last semester students from Canberra High, Canberra Girls Grammar, Lanyon High, Calwell High and Amaroo School participated in a newly developed curriculum Entrepreneur: It’s Your Move to generate and test their innovative ideas, while refining their concepts alongside local business mentors.
Entrepreneur: It’s Your Move is a hands on high school subject created by ACT Health and the Education Directorate, in partnership with Canberra-based design thinking agency, ThinkPlace.
“It’s clear from today’s event that we have some bright young minds in Canberra, and I’m particularly proud to see so many young people thinking about innovative ways to improve their health and wellbeing while at high school,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“We know that engaging in healthier and more active lifestyles from a young age provides a strong foundation to maintain those habits into adult life. School-based programs such as It’s Your Move are making important inroads to ensuring that more young Canberrans remain healthy, active and well.”
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Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases