Young Enterprise is KEY to success for Downshire pupils

The scheme, which is run jointly by Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and Junior Achievement Ireland, brings together 14 to 16-year-olds from marginalised communities on both sides of the border to learn about enterprise, peace and reconciliation. It also helps young people acquire skills to positively influence a shared future for Northern Ireland and the southern border counties.

Participating students are drawn from 72 schools in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties, and Downshire has been partnered with St Louise’s Comprehensive College, Belfast, and Breifne College, Cavan.

The seven-month programme includes a series of workshops, outdoor activities and other tasks aimed at building motivation and confidence, teaching entrepreneurial skills and developing a greater understanding of the different community backgrounds of participants. It will be delivered over four locations, at three locations throughout Northern Ireland.

Rebecca Stranney, senior training officer on the KEY Programme said: “KEY often provides the only opportunity these young people have to mix with their peers from other traditions and backgrounds. Since its inception, over 7,000 participants have completed the programme and gained a better understanding of the different community backgrounds of their peers from throughout Northern Ireland and the southern border counties, forging firm friendships and working together in the spirit of enterprise.

“Never has enterprise education been more relevant. In today's economic climate, it is imperative that young people take ownership of their future careers. The KEY programme has helped to equip them with the right skills and attitudes to become entrepreneurs of the future or enterprising employees, and it is our hope that they will build upon their experiences to the benefit of their future prosperity.”

The programme, which recently celebrated ten successful years, is funded by the International Fund for Ireland.