Farmer on Board
Farmer on board is a project entered into the Student Enterprise Awards programme by a group of Transition Year students from Banagher College, Colaiste na Sionna.
The aim of the board game is to teach farm safety to primary school children.
The project commenced back in September 2007 with an in-school Idea Generation session proved by Offaly County Enterprise Board as part of its mentoring facility for participants of the Student Enterprise Awards.
The idea for the game came from one of the group's interest in farming and their concerns over the high rate of accidents on farms. The issue of getting across the message of the importance of farm safety to young children was examined. In order to achieve their aim the solution had to be something that children would find fun and interactive, whilst learning.
The design and development of the Board game took up much more time than they had planned, which left very little time for production and sales, within the time frame of the Awards programme. But the product had to be right before final production and it has ultimately been time well spent.
Having won the Senior Category at the National Final, the group are now looking forward to their educational trip to Malta in September. But the project was not just an academic exercise. The team are currently investigating their options for the future of the business. The decision to retain full control over the manufacture and sale of the product, or to consider licensing is a major one, and Offaly County Enterprise Board are fully supportive in this process and available to help in any way possible.
Even before winning the National Final, the group received a lot of publicity for their game, featuring in the Farmers' Journal, the Midland Tribune, Midlands Radio 3 Country Life and on RTE Radio 1's, The Business Programme.
They have been approached by a number of potential clients and investors as a result of their win and we wish them the very best with the future.
The group have certainly enjoyed the experience, and it will undoubtedly have an impact on their career path whatever route they decide. It will also assist them with their business exam subjects for the Leaving Certificate.
