Photo: Kuujjuaq social enterprise cleans up after a year in business

A year into its operation, Uvvautik soap factory continues to churn out handmade, scented soaps from a classroom at Jaanimmarik high school in Kuujjuaq. The social enterprise is run by instructor Suzanne Chénard and her Independent Learning Path students, designed for students who are at risk of dropping out of school. The group of seven female students, between 13 and 16 years of age, have made about 150 soaps since the project was launched in late 2014, and earned about $750. “The girls are doing really well and it’s given them a sense of confidence,” said Chénard. The soaps, scented with lavender, eucalyptus, black spruce and other essential oils, are wrapped and ready to sell for Christmas. You can purchase your own Uvvautik soap in Kuujjuaq through Jaanimmarik school or at the Nunavik Creations boutique in Kuujjuaq. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)