Ennis schoolchildren swot up on their entrepreneurial skills

IS THERE a budding Denis O’Brien lurking in a fifth or sixth class in the Banner County?

Starting next school term, the answer will be revealed, when a unique initiative, aimed at identifying and nurturing entrepreneurs in Clare over the next two school years, is introduced to the county.

The venture, which will help identify the Clare entrepreneurs of tomorrow through a programme delivered in primary school classrooms, was launched in the county this week.

The Junior Entrepreneurial Programme (JEP) for primary schoolchildren in Clare will offer teachers and students the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship and take part in practical exercises, designed to complement their creative thinking, problem-solving, presentation, writing and teamwork.

The programme is designed to help children discover their own strengths and skills and encourage them to develop creativity and money management.

Former Ennis National School teacher, Tom Glynn will co-ordinate the JEP in Clare over the coming weeks and months. He is excited at the prospect of visiting schools and helping to implement the programme.

“This is a fascinating and challenging programme, one that could help students, teachers and schools alike. Also, there is no cost to any school for participation in the JEP.

“I’m really looking forward to visiting a number of primary schools in Clare over the next few months and working with pupils and teachers to help bring the JEP to life. Who knows, we may find the next Denis O’Brien,” he said.

President of the INTO and Mullagh school principal, Sean McMahon has also welcomed the arrival of the JEP programme to Clare.

“This is a wonderful initiative for primary schools and I would encourage as many as possible in Clare to embrace it into their school programme in the coming year,” he said.

The Junior Entrepreneurial Programme packs will be posted to every primary school in Clare this week. They will outline just how the programme works and how schools can get involved.

The programme runs throughout the school year and offers pupils the opportunity to develop their own enterprises within their school, showcasing their ideas and ventures at a showcase day within the school and the county at the end of the school year.