In a joyful atmosphere that blended learning with creativity, the activities of the “Little Merchant” Spring Festival concluded at Jasmine Sports City in Damascus. Organized by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the festival aimed to nurture initiative and innovation among children by giving them hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and small business development. Young participants were encouraged to transform their ideas into tangible products and offer them for sale in a real-market setting.
A Miniature Market for Childhood Creations
The courtyards of the sports city were transformed into a lively, colorful marketplace led by enthusiastic and confident young vendors. Over 200 children displayed products they made themselves, including handmade accessories, crochet items, 3D printed toys, simple homemade foods, and woolen products. Beyond buying and selling, the experience served as a practical lesson in marketing, negotiation, pricing, and basic money management, allowing children to learn through direct participation.
The festival’s general supervisor, Nour Sqoul, explained the initiative, held during the mid-term break, seeks to instill the values of work and productivity while fostering a sense of responsibility toward oneself, family, and society. She noted a portion of the proceeds from sales was donated to support children of the Ghiras Association, reinforcing principles of solidarity and social responsibility.
For his part, Abdulrahman Sheikh al-Ard, event coordinator at the Child Culture Directorate, highlighted the festival’s role in “reviving the culture of entrepreneurship” among children. He emphasized that the activity encourages honesty, integrity, creativity, and a spirit of initiative, helping children understand the importance of producing and marketing local products from both psychological and commercial perspectives.
Learning Through Entertainment
In addition to the marketplace, the festival featured a variety of educational and recreational activities designed to reinforce its core messages. Purposeful theatrical performances addressed the importance of honesty and avoiding fraud in transactions. Storytelling sessions (al-Hakawati) promoted values of compassion, empathy, and cooperation, while strategic games and competitions stimulated critical thinking and creativity among participants.
Children’s Voices: Joy and Self-Discovery
The children who took part expressed great happiness and pride in their experience. Participants such as Tima and Omar Molwi, Talia Ghannam, and Maria Musa, who presented food items, crochet work, and toys, shared that they had learned new skills, enjoyed contributing to charitable causes, and hoped to continue developing their talents in the future.
The “Little Merchant” festival stands as an inspiring model for initiatives combining play with practical learning. By planting the seeds of responsibility, creativity, and innovation at an early age, it helps prepare children not only to be future consumers, but also confident producers and innovators capable of contributing meaningfully to their society.
