Primary school children showcase their enterprising skills through fun programme
By Mary Dennehy
MORE than 1,100 primary school children from right across South Dublin County demonstrated their enterprising skills through a fun education programme that nurtures and showcases the innovators and business-makers of the future.
Run by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Dublin, the Bí Gnóthach enterprise programme is now in its 13th year, with 28 schools participating in 2018.
Belgard students with their business 'Bottle Buddies', an eco-friendly, fashionable product, which helps to keep drinks cool
Since the programme started in 2005, 12,000 primary school students from South Dublin County have been introduced to enterprise education, the fundamentals of business, idea generation, market research, raising finance and the production of goods and services through the school-led initiative.
According to LEO South Dublin, these high participation levels demonstrate a commitment to the development of a strong local entrepreneurial ethos.
This year, students impressed with a range of enterprising projects, which included food products, mindfulness packs, upcycled craft products and entertainment and leisure services – with money raised through the businesses being donated to charity or school projects.
According to Amanda Mills, Senior Enterprise Development Officer from LEO South Dublin said: “The real stars of this programme are the students, teachers and principals that have engaged with us and demonstrated such entrepreneurial spirit inside and outside the classroom.
“The wide range of ideas show great creativity and demonstrate that the local economy in South Dublin will be in good hands in the future.”
Scoil Mhuire with their business ‘Be You Bookmarks’
After a very difficult judging process, ten finalists were selected for awards, which were presented at a ceremony in County Library, Tallaght, recently.
The continued sponsorship and support of IT Tallaght for LEO South Dublin’s enterprise education programmes was also acknowledged.
