The Young Enterprise Northern Ireland Knowledge through Enterprise for Youth (KEY) Programme held two special celebration ceremonies at the end of May, as 900 young entrepreneurs graduated from the 2009 Programme.

The Programme, which is run jointly by Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and Junior Achievement Ireland, is funded by the International Fund for Ireland. It brings together 14 to16 year olds from marginalised communities on both sides of the border to learn about enterprise, peace and reconciliation and acquire skills which will help them to positively influence a shared future for Northern Ireland and the Southern border counties.

Students participating in the Programme are drawn from 72 schools in Northern Ireland and the Southern border
counties. 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.

Inspiring the young audience at the graduations, were Bro McFerran, Managing Director of All State Northern Ireland and Hugh Daly, owner of Orchard Distribution.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Anne Henderson, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, said:
“The KEY Programme often provides the only opportunity these young people have to mix with their peers from other traditions and backgrounds. The Programme aims to enhance students’ personal development through enterprise training, peace and reconciliation awareness, business tasks and a range of outdoor activities.

“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.

“The KEY Programme is one of the ‘shining stars’ in the Fund’s wide portfolio of programmes, and I would like to personally congratulate all of the graduates here today. By participating in this Programme you have acquired invaluable business acumen and life skills.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge the support and commitment demonstrated by: schools; teachers; parents; and the staff at Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and Junior Achievement Ireland in helping over 7,000 young people to graduate from the KEY Programme.”
 
Chairman of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, Chris Conway, said: “All at Young Enterprise Northern Ireland are delighted to celebrate another successful year of the KEY Programme.  We would like to thank the International Fund for Ireland for their continued support, in particular, Denis Rooney, who has been a terrific advocate of the KEY Programme over the years.  
 
“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 need for enterprise in education has never been greater.  Developing young people and equipping them with relevant business skills is vital if Northern Ireland is to have a successful and vibrant economy in the future. Many organisations, including my own, Corus Ireland, reap the rewards of a mutually beneficial relationship with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, and I would urge other business leaders to consider supporting the important work that we do.”

As part of this year’s KEY Programme, twelve participants who displayed exceptional entrepreneurial skills are being rewarded with a trip to the Canadian JAXchange Junior Conference, held in Ontario this August. This event brings hundreds of young people together from around the world to get a first hand look at the international world of business.

JAXchange Winners

Mikey Butter   Carndonagh Community School
Daniel Mullan   St Mary’s,Limavady
Finula Mulhern   Scoil Mhuire Buncrana
Sarah Loughrey   St Mary’s College,Derry
Cormac Gallen   Loreto Community School, Milford
Laura McGlynn   St Columba’s, Stranorlar
Christopher Hanrahan  Erne Integrated College, Enniskillen
Jason McLoughlin  Lough Allen College, Co. Leitrim
Ronan Coyne   De La Salle College, Dundalk
Stephanie Smith   Movilla High School, Newtownards
Tamara McConkey   Lisnaskea High School
Samuel Hughes   Markethill High School, Markethill