18/07/2008 -
Sligo Local Authorities Support Junior Achievers
Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley and Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins have commended the volunteers who have delivered a ‘Junior Achievement’ programme in local schools.
Mayor Cawley says that the programme can be used ‘to help school leavers make the right decision by providing them with relevant information, making sure they have the skills they require for their chosen career path, and giving them the confidence to follow their goals. We can all play a part in this programme.. local authorities, private business and the various schools. By investing in junior achievement, we are in effect investing in our future. Today’s students face a number of challenges, especially as they come to a stage where they have to make important career choices. Anything we can do to help them in this process is to be welcomed, and given the success of this year’s programme, it is fair to assume it will be will be expanded in the year’s ahead.’
Cathaoirleach Councillor Devins noted that ‘Over the last few years Sligo Local Authorities have been actively engaging with our local schools at a number of levels. Under our ‘Open Local Government’ initiative, schools are invited in to the Council Chamber for a presentation on the Council’s role in the community. We also administer a course for local advocacy groups in partnership with the North West Parents and Friends Association, whereby young people from Cregg House, Rehab care and the Rosses Sheltered Workshop undertake a day long course in Local Government.
Arguably the schools programme with the highest profile is our Green Schools Programme, which encourages students to take a leading role in protecting our fragile environment, and I am pleased to say Sligo schools have embraced the Green Schools concept wholeheartedly. The Junior Achievement Programme is an important addition to this process. I think the first point to be made about the programme is that it is voluntary, and involves dedicated people giving of their time and energy to work with public and private organisations.’
Della Clancy from ‘Junior Achievement’ commended the Sligo Authorities for joining the programme, as the scope and variety of work being delivered across the various sections made it hugely beneficial for the participating students.
The schools taking part in the programme are: Knockminagh National School, Ballymote, Our Lady of Mercy Primary School, Sligo, St Edward’s National School, Ballytivnan, Mercy College, Sligo, Sligo Grammar School, Summerhill College, Ballinode College and Ursuline College.
The Mayor and Cathaoirleach made presentations to six members of Sligo Local Authorities staff who delivered the programme: Marie Leydon, Bernie Flynn, Paul Coyle, Geraldine Timlin, Suzanne Siberry and Dolores McDonagh.
- Back Row - Left - Right - Aisling Smyth, A/Director of Services, Maire Leydon J.A. Volunteer, Geraldine Timlin J.A. Vol, Bernie Flynn J. A. Vol, Jim O’Sullivan Joint Chair Partnership Committee, Suzanne Siberry J. A. Vol, Paul Coyle J. A. Vol, Dolores McDonagh J. A. Vol,
Front Row - Left - Right - Della Clancy Executive Director Junior Achievement, Jude Devins Cathaoirleach, Veronica Cawley Mayor, Patirica Friel Programme Co-ordinator Junior Achievement.
