Education Minister praises '˜Enlighten Hope' students for Young Enterprise win

St Patrick's College team Enlighten Hope named UK Young Enterprise winners for their copany selling books that help children understand chemo and radiotherapy

Young Enterprise Company “Enlighten Hope” was formed by the students as part of Young Enterprise NI’s (YENI’s) Company Programme 2015/16.

The group produced a trio of books for parents and carers undergoing cancer treatment to read with their children and they won the overall Young Enterprise UK Company of the Year Award, and third place in the European Awards.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister said: “These are highly prestigious awards, indeed “Enlighten Hope” are the first overall UK winners from Northern Ireland in over 20 years, which is a testament to the creativity, passion and commitment of all those involved. What the students have achieved is truly impressive.

“Through this programme, “Enlighten Hope” has written and published a trio of books on dealing with chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects in a child-friendly manner.

“As well as winning awards, the company has had sales of over £20,000 with the profits going to children’s charities.”

Almost 1,800 students participated in YENI’s Company and Team business entrepreneurship programmes in the 2015/16 academic year.

The programme provides students with the opportunity to set up and run their own real company over the course of the academic year.

The Minister continued: “The success of “Enlighten Hope” highlights the benefits of having the support and involvement of the wider community in the life of our schools.”