Fourth class students from Ballyvary National School had the opportunity to participate in the Junior Achievement ‘It’s My Business’ programme sponsored by AIB, which was facilitated by business volunteer Helen Quinn, from AIB Castlebar.
Over five modules, students aged 9-10, learned the steps involved in launching a business. Through identifying their very own entrepreneurial characteristics, they worked in teams to develop business ideas, innovation, and market research to develop a business start-up, culminating with an opportunity to pitch their new business to potential “investors’’. One group of students who planned to sell sweet treats called their business ‘Make and Bake’ and plan to sell to local students.
During the programme students met several successful Irish entrepreneurs, including social entrepreneurs Iseult Ward of FoodCloud and Michael Kelly of GIY (Grow It Yourself ) in a series of inspirational video interviews. Tribe Hospitality Group, Wildlands Activity Centre and Dough Bros. also featured so that students learned first-hand what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur.
Teresa Walsh, fourth class teacher in Ballyvary N.S. said: "The It’s My Business programme is very beneficial for students as they discover what it takes to be an entrepreneur - attitude, self-belief, confidence and a determination to succeed among other things.
"They begin to really pay attention to the world around them and to what’s involved in setting up your own enterprise. It’s a great benefit having a volunteer link Helen from AIB Castlebar in the classroom as she has such experience with and an insight into the business world. Helen put the children at ease immediately and they are very comfortable asking her questions."
Volunteer, Helen Quinn from AIB Castlebar: "My first experience back in the classroom with 10-year-old students has been a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. We had 30 students who participated in the ‘It’s My Business’ Programme, and so far, they have surprised me with their knowledge of Entrepreneurs and what it might be like to set up your own business.
"I’m looking forward to the coming weeks when we will be putting our pitches, business ideas and plans together for the final set up and display of the children’s mock businesses. Overall the classroom setting is a lovely place to be in, giving an insight in to the minds of 10 year olds and what their take on the world is right now, how they believe we can make it a better place, getting their feedback and having fun while doing it."
Junior Achievement Ireland and AIB will partner to engage 6,000 primary students in 250 classrooms nationwide over the next three years. Working together on this five-module programme, the business volunteers, students and teachers will ensure the young participants acquire and practice key entrepreneurial skills such as team-working, adaptability and critical decision-making, which are identified as fundamental to future success.
Junior Achievement programmes delivered by business volunteers support the Department of Education’s action plan, Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS ).
