TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY was full of love for the European Union this afternoon, despite recent developments at the European Commission.
He spent some time with pupils from Gardiner Street National School in Dublin for the launch of this year’s Blue Star programme – an initiative to help primary school children understand and connect with Europe and the EU.
The programme, entering its fourth year, is run by the independent organisation European Movement, and involves special classroom projects focused on four elements of the EU:
In a statement after meeting the kids from Gardiner Street, Kenny had this to say about the initiative, was has just been renewed for a further three years:
As a small, open country, Ireland’s relationship with the EU positively affects all of our lives and it is important to increase understanding among our young citizens about how the EU works.
Education is key to ensuring that our youth are prepared for the future.
The Blue Star programme which has already involved over 200 schools and 15,000 school children has been an outstanding success and I look forward to its continuing expansion over the coming three years.
A guide issued by European Movement recommends projects like constructing a model of the Tower of Pisa, having “European cookery” days, listening to the music of Beethoven and reading The Diary of Anne Frank, as a way of studying the Holocaust.
This coming year, more than 100 schools are expected to take part, with representation from all 26 counties except – so far – Offaly.
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