Twelve young bright sparks are celebrating their success after graduating from the Knowledge through Enterprise for Youth (KEY) programme at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Carol Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland are pictured with some of the participants who displayed exceptional entrepreneurial skills and are being rewarded with a trip to the Canadian Next Generation Leaders Conference held in Ontario this August.

TO DATE OVER 8,000 YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE LEARNED GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND TOLERANCE FOR OTHER TRADITIONS

900 young people from throughout Northern Ireland and the southern border counties were at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast today (Thursday 27 May) to graduate from the 2010 Knowledge through Enterprise for Youth (KEY) Programme. The graduation event also marked the 10^th year anniversary of the Programme, which has been phenomenally successful, with 8,000 young people having taken part since its inception.

KEY brings together young people aged 14-16 from marginalised communities on both sides of the border to teach them enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. Integral to the Programme is that participants also gain a greater understanding and tolerance for other traditions.

Supported by the International Fund for Ireland and run jointly by Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and Junior Achievement Ireland, the seven-month Programme consists of a series of workshops, outdoor activities and other tasks aimed at building motivation and confidence, gaining entrepreneurial skills and a greater understanding of their peers’ background and culture.

Speaking at the event Denis Rooney CBE, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “The International Fund for Ireland, with its overriding objective of promoting peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, is committed to supporting and facilitating programmes and initiatives that provide opportunities for young people from different community backgrounds to come together to explore common issues and experiences.”

Funded under our Building Bridges area of activity the Key Programme has been one of the ‘shining stars’ in our portfolio of Youth Programmes which aim to break new ground and create new sustainable models which help young people overcome sectarianism and segregation.”

Speaking at the graduation event, Carol Fitzsimons, Chief Executive Officer of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, commented: “Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and Junior Achievement Ireland are delighted to celebrate another successful year of the KEY Programme and we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the International Fund for Ireland for its continued support over the past ten years.

"This year marks a major milestone in our partnership and today we celebrate not only the achievements of this year’s KEY Programme students, but those of the 8,000 young people who have benefitted directly from the Programme over the last decade.

“Enterprise education has never been more relevant.  Developing young people and equipping them with relevant business skills is vital if we are to have a successful and vibrant economy in the future. In today's economic climate, it is imperative that young people take ownership of their future careers.

“Enterprise education programmes like KEY are an excellent medium through which young people from different communities can come together to achieve common business goals.”

Each year, 12 participants who display exceptional entrepreneurial skills are rewarded with a trip to the Next Generation Leaders Conference held in Queens School of Business, Kingston, Ontario.

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