Community market teaches children about money

Children in Glenfield’s Bayview Community are learning about business via a market they organise and run with the help of their parents.

45 children ran the market on April 21, offering handmade desserts, toys, books, sweets and more.

The kids are able to use the market for different purposes, one group of young netballers utilising the opportunity to fundraise for new gear.

The market was set-up by mother Anne-Maree Heckler, who started the event in 2016 because her daughter was interested in opening a lemonade stand.

Mrs Heckler says she went ahead and contacted the community centre about starting a market day for all children and parents to be involved.

“The children organise everything themselves. They’re allowed to have parents as shop assistants,” says Mrs Heckler.

She says the children keep whatever money they make; a nice way for them to learn about handling and spending cash at a young age.

Her daughter, six-year-old daughter Chloe, says she has learnt a lot about money so far thanks to the experience.

Dianne James, a parent involved in the event, says the market also teaches children to be involved in the community.

“It allows them to socially interact with other people in their neighbourhood rather than just going to school and coming back,” says Mrs James.

The Bayview Community Market runs twice a year, with its next date yet to be confirmed but expected to be in time for Christmas.