Main pic: Pupils of School Mhuire NS, Belcruit, with Ann Patricia Hanlon, AIB, Dungloe and staff members Kelly O’Donnell and Sinéad Doogan. Pictures by Declan Doherty.
As west Donegal school has successfully participated in Junior Achievement Ireland’s (JAI) ‘It’s My Business’ initiative.
Belcruit National School took part in the programme which brings entrepreneurial education to over 7,500 students nationwide, with the support of AIB.
The Kincasslagh pupils participated this year with the help of AIB Dungloe volunteer, Ann Patricia Hanlon. They had the opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship in a fun and engaging way. Ann Patricia helped students think creatively and encouraged teamwork, her support made the learning experience even more impactful and inspiring.
Enterprising Belcruit National School pupils Kayla Rodgers, Caela Gillespie (Pink Panda), with Eimear Pidgeon and Sarah Canny (Dancing Queens) and Ann Patricia Hanlon, AIB, Dungloe. Picture: Declan Doherty.
One pupil, Aaron, said he loved taking part in the It’s My Business programme.
“I really enjoyed making the posters and coming up with logos and ideas for my business. I think I could definitely make my business idea work in real life”.
Belcruit National School pupils Rhys Ward and Adam Curran with Ann Patricia Hanlon, AIB, Dungloe. Picture: Declan Doherty.
Kelly Molloy, a teacher at Belcruit NS, agreed that the programme inspired students to think big about their future.
“It’s My Business opened the minds of the children and showed them that anything is possible,” she said.
“It gave them the opportunity to explore different business ideas and to look at the elements needed for creating a modern-day sustainable business. I really enjoyed the brainstorming sessions and hearing the variety of business ideas that the
children had along with watching them try to come up with unique selling points and costing.”
Enterprising Belcruit National School pupils Aaliyah Gallagher Canavan and Shauna McGovern with Ann Patricia Hanlon, AIB, Dungloe. Picture: Declan Doherty.
Enterprising Belcruit National School pupils Kayla Rodgers, Caela Gillespie (Pink Panda) with Ann Patricia Hanlon, AIB, Dungloe. Picture: Declan Doherty.
Colin Hunt, CEO of AIB, added: “As proud partner of Junior Achievement Ireland for 30 years, AIB is delighted to continue our sponsorship of the It’s My Business Programme. Now in its fourth year, the programme is well-established across 250
schools with 7,500 primary students participating. At AIB, our purpose is to empower people to build a sustainable future, and our education partnerships enable us to support our future leaders of tomorrow. ”
For more information on how to get involved in the “It’s My Business” programme, visit www.jai.ie