Pupils inspired by teen trader

1:50pm Thursday 4th December 2008

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A YOUNG entrepreneur gave Nova Hreod pupils inspiration to follow their dreams.

East Londoner Sabirul Islam, 18, told pupils how he started a web design business aged 14 and became a part-time trader on the stock exchange at 16.

He is also thinking of launching a magazine and a cartoon series.

Year 8 pupils put his inspirational story into practice by working on a business project to create their own brands of tissues yesterday.

More than 200 pupils were tasked with managing a budget, designing a tissue box and making a television advert.

Sabirul, who has written a book – the World at Your Feet – was impressed with the pupils’ ideas. One group of pupils discarded the option of a normal rectangular tissue box and opted for a heart-shaped one.

“The response I got after the speech was extraordinary,” said Sabirul. “They have come up with various unique ideas. A lot of young people don’t put their ideas into action but these pupils have managed to think outside the box.”

Sabirul received an award from Prince Charles last week at the Mosaic Talent Awards ceremony for his business skills.

Laura Hamilton, Nova Hreod’s enterprise project leader, said: “This event is about developing skills such as team work, problem solving, communication and presentation.

“Team work and problem solving is also helpful for their classwork. I think Sabirul’s visit makes them really aware that they can do things now and don’t have to wait until they leave school. In the current economic climate they may have to think about setting up their own business or working for a small company. “ Twelve-year-old Alex Flowerday, of Pinehurst said: “The Enterprise Day has actually beeen quite good. I learnt how you really need to work in a team and should not get bossy or the project will go bang. Hearing about Sabirul’s experiences makes you think you can achieve what he did if you work hard enough.”

Bethany Mansfield, 13, from Rodbourne said: “I learnt how important it is for eveyone to listen to each other today. Group work is also important.”