High School pupils are all business

Dromore High School pupils were among potential young entrepreneurs from 78 schools to recently mark completion of the Knowledge through Enterprise for Youth (KEY) Programme, a major cross-community, cross-border business programme, at a graduation ceremony in Belfast.

At the graduation ceremony in Belfast the High School’s Sophie Fletcher was also one of 12 lucky ‘Next Generation’ winners who, as part of her prize, will get to jet off to Canada. Sophie and Jheazamin Romas were part of the Best Overall Company, Hook ‘N’ Hang.

Co-ordinated by Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and Junior Achievement Ireland, with funding from the International Fund for Ireland, the Knowledge through Enterprise for Youth (KEY) Programme brought together young people from schools, many in disadvantaged areas on both sides of the border. Over seven months, more than 900 students took part in special workshops, outdoor activities and tasks designed to build motivation, confidence and entrepreneurial skills and embed a greater understanding of their peers’ background and culture.

Each year, 12 participants who display exceptional entrepreneurial skills as judged by their peers go on to participate in the Canadian Junior Achievement Conference in Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Other special awards presented were the Company of the Year Award and the KEY Personality of the Year award, presented to the students who gave 100%.