In Singapore, campus co-operatives are common in schools and universities, providing services such as sale of books and educational materials, stationary, IT services and photocopying, sports goods, food and travel.
They offer teachers, lecturers, staff and first hand experience of running a co-operative on economic and co-operative principles, encouraging and promoting co-operation, self-help and mutual assistance, self-discipline, self-reliance, responsibility and accountability, entrepreneurial skills and thrift.
Meridian Junior College Business Club (MJC Biz Club) was formed at Meridian Junior College in January 2005 to develop students’ entrepreneurial skills. It aims to help them meet the challenges of the new economy, become more accountable and responsible, develop student leaders and learn beyond the formal academic curriculum about subjects such as basic financial analysis and accounting as well as developing and executing business plans.
In addition to selling goods to their peers, student co-operatives take part in conferences, events and competitions; at Bendemeer Secondary School, students have sold potted herbs and balloon sculptures as part of a National Pushcart Competition.
Read MJC Biz Club's blog here.
For more information on youth co-operatives in Singapore visit www.sncf.org.sg/ouraffiliates/campus.html