Bringing Learning to Life: How CandleXchange’s Real-World Collaboration Empower Future Changemakers

At CandleXchange, we believe that the most impactful education goes beyond textbooks and lectures—it happens when students engage with real-world challenges and social enterprises that are driving positive change. Embedding real-life case studies into education nurtures practical skills, deepens understanding, and inspires meaningful action. Through our collaborations with educational institutions, CandleXchange is proud to help bring this transformative learning experience to students of all ages.

Why real-life case studies matter

Case studies rooted in actual social enterprises allow students to see how theories of social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and circular economy come alive in practice. They encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy by exposing students to the complexities and opportunities faced by mission-driven businesses. Learning through real examples also bridges the gap between academic knowledge and community impact, preparing students to become thoughtful leaders and innovators.

CandleXchange & UNSW Centre for Social Impact: Social Entrepreneurship in Action

In 2025, CandleXchange is honoured to be featured as a case study in the Social Entrepreneurship course at UNSW Centre for Social Impact (CSI). This collaboration exemplifies how students at the postgraduate level explore how a certified social enterprise like CandleXchange integrates circular economy principles, ethical production, and social impact to address issues such as waste reduction and support for vulnerable communities.

By evaluating our “Return & Swap” program and UpCandle initiative, UNSW students gain hands-on insights into innovative business models that combine sustainability with social good. This immersive case study enables them to connect theory with real-world impact, while also inspiring new ideas for social innovation.

Inspiring Young Innovators: Collaboration with SCECGS Redlands

Our collaboration with SCECGS Redlands brings CandleXchange’s sustainability and social enterprise story into the classroom for younger learners, across multiple units and projects:

• Year 9 Intrapreneurship Project: Students explore how they can innovate within existing businesses or create new ventures that balance profit with purpose, using CandleXchange as a living example of embedding circular economy and social impact in a brand.
• Year 8 Circular Economy Unit: Through our case study, students learn about reducing waste and resource use by embracing reuse, recycling, and regeneration, grounded in our innovative candle container return and refill system.
• Year 9 Capitalism for Good Unit: This unit challenges students to rethink traditional capitalism by prioritising businesses that deliver environmental and social benefits alongside financial returns. CandleXchange’s social enterprise model perfectly illustrates this progressive approach.

By integrating our story into these units, SCECGS Redlands helps nurture a new generation of conscious entrepreneurs equipped to create sustainable, impactful change in their communities.

The authentic connection between education and social enterprise

These collaborations create a two-way exchange: students learn from the tangible challenges and successes of running a social enterprise, while CandleXchange benefits from fresh perspectives, feedback, and the excitement of inspiring future changemakers.

Embedding real-life case studies like CandleXchange transforms education from abstract concepts into lived experiences. It cultivates creativity, resilience, and a commitment to sustainability and social justice—critical qualities for building a better future.

Join the journey

We invite educators, students, and organisations interested in experiential learning and social innovation to connect with CandleXchange.

Together, we can light the way for education that empowers positive change—for people, planet, and purpose.