Minister Joins Junior Entrepreneurs at the Craft Table at Muire Gan Smál

Teacher Claire Smith speaking about the Muire Gan Smál Junior Entrepreneur Programme and introducing Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD to the pupils during her visit to the school. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD pictured with Cllr. Charlie Farrelly and his partner, Martina’s grand-children, Ailís, Tadhg and Michael Broderick during her visit to Muire Gan Smál Presentation Primary School, Castleisland. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD pictured at one of the craft tables and the Junior Entrepreneur Programme participants with teacher Claire Smith during her visit to Scoil Muire Gan Smál with pupils: Jillian Bobilles, Molly O’Regan, Marianna Kulik and Aleksa Angelova. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD admiring the product packaging at the jewelery making table during the launch of the Muire Gan Smál Junior Entrepreneur Programme at the school with, from left: Molly Moran, Emilka Kujawa, Gemma O’Shea, SNA; Claire Smith, teacher and Ada Zebrowska. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The staff and students at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Castleisland, were delighted to welcome Minister for Education, Norma Foley to their school on Thursday last.

The Minister’s visit was in relation to the school’s participation in this year’s Junior Entrepreneur Programme.

Upon her arrival, Minister Foley was greeted by staff and students. She spoke with many of the students in relation to the numerous projects and initiatives the school is currently involved in, before meeting with pupils in fifth and sixth classes to discuss their business venture.

Gems and Jewels

As part of their JEP project, senior students had established their own business, Gems and Jewels, and made customized bracelets and bands to suit a variety of tastes.

The Minister took time to chat with each student about their experience and pupils were delighted to guide her through every step of their enterprise journey, from generating the idea of their business, to financing, marketing, production, packaging and sales.

Minister Foley’s Compliments

Minister Foley acknowledged the many skills the students acquired through their involvement in this project and was very complimentary of the talents on display and the student’s commitment to their business.

Before leaving, Minister Foley was presented with her own customized bracelet, made by students in the class.

Minister Foley’s visit was also marked by staff and pupils with flowers and a piece of locally thrown pottery from Delia O’Donoghue’s studio on Upper Main Street.

Undoubtedly, the Minister’s visit will remain an unforgettable memory for the students, who were delighted to have their enterprise and business efforts acknowledged in such a way.

Welcome from Ms. Smith

JEP coordinator and class teacher Claire Smith was delighted to welcome the Minister into the classroom.

Both students and teacher wish to thank Minister Foley for her visit.

They also wish to thank all those who supported their business throughout the year, especially Murphy’s Convenience Store, Brosna, who agreed to sell their bracelets in the local community, further promoting their business.

Paving the Way

Finally, the school would like to thank Marie, Jerry and the entire JEP team who guided and supported them through every step of their journey into the world of business.

The interest generated through JEP, may very well pave the way forward for these future entrepreneurs!!

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