CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio - French students at Chagrin Falls Middle School are learning how to make and market soap to aid students 1,600 miles away in Haiti.
French teacher Christine Briggs partnered with sculptor David Shankland to provide supplies to an art school he is opening near Port Au Prince, Haiti, which is recognized as the poorest country in the Americas.
Shankland teaches sculpture at Valley Art Center. Briggs met him at VAC's Art by the Falls show in June. At that time, Shankland mentioned the art school, and Briggs told him of her shared interest in Haiti. From that conversation the collaboration took root.
Rather than simply donate money, Briggs' students decided they would create and sell a hand-made product to raise money to purchase paint brushes.
A fundraising plan was devised and the students decided to manufacture organic glycerin soap bars in 3 aromas, including citrus, lavender and peppermint. They also created the business name, Savon D'Espoir, translated as "Hope Soap," and they designed a logo. The students used the school's new 3D printer to design soap molds.
Next, the class received permission to display and sell their products at the VAC gift shop. The price is $5 a bar. Profits will fund the purchase of paint brushes and other art supplies.
Shankland met with the French class three times, sharing his experiences in the impoverished country.
"I was just amazed watching the Chagrin students fly into action," he said. "One table in the art room is the art department for the venture. Another table is where the soap is made. And, yet a different group is working on marketing at the board. I am really overwhelmed at what these students are doing."
The young entrepreneurs had to develop business practices in areas such as supply, purchasing, manufacturing, marketing, display, advertising and sales, Shankland explained.
Shankland pointed out that the activity of the local students mirrors the goals of the students in Haiti. The Haitian art students plan to sell the art they create to visitors from abroad and learn the same business and creative skills their American friends are learning.
The soap makes a nice gift, according to Brian Jacobs, VAC spokesman. Each is individually wrapped with a bow and a tag explaining the story of Savon D'Espoir.
The gift shop, located at 155 Bell St. in Chagrin Falls, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. For holiday hours, contact valleyartcenter.org or call 440-247-7507.
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