Student Entrepreneurs prepare for National Final
Transition year students in Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in Daingean Uí Chúis, Co. Kerry, Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway, Gaelcholáiste Chomáin, Ros Dumhach, Co. Mayo, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Doirí Beaga, Leitir Ceanainn, agus Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, An Clochán, Leifear Co. Donegal have set their ‘virtual’ sights on Europe as they make their final preparations for the All-Ireland Final of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí Competition 2021 which will be held online on April 22 2021.
The winners of the All-Ireland Final will represent Ireland at the Junior Achievement Europe Company of the Year Competition 2021 which will also be held online in July due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Six student mini-companies from Donegal, Mayo, Galway, and Kerry will battle it out in this year’s national final. The one-day national final will be held on April 22 2021 and will see students logging in from school to present their businesses to the judges using a short promotional video, business plans and an in-depth interview.
‘Cártaí Feasa’ and ‘Bain Triail as Leabhair do Leanaí’ was established by students from Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne and won the joint honours at the Southern Regional Final. The joint winners of the Western Regional Final were ‘An Saol Veigeáin’ from Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin and ‘Earraí BOSSK’ from Gaelcholáiste Chomáin. The Donegal Regional Finals were won by ‘Cluasa Cliste’ from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair and ‘DSG Adhmad’ from Gairmscoil Chú Uladh. All teams hope that they can impress the judges at the National Final in order to compete for European glory.
The Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí programme is a hands-on business learning experience developed and delivered by Údarás na Gaeltachta in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) and is taught by business volunteers through the Irish language to 750 transition year pupils in Gaeltacht regions. This is the third time that the winners of the Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Clár na gComhlachtaí will have the opportunity to participate at the European level of the competition.
Cártaí Feasa, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Daingean Uí Chúis, Co. Kerry
The product is a greeting card telling the story of Irish folklore tales and contains a QR code on the back which customers can scan bringing them to the website with the entire folklore story.
Bain Triail as Leabhair do Leanaí, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Daingean Uí Chúis, Co. Kerry
The products created here are Irish educational children’s books teaching students about how to learn piano, ballet and how to draw.
An Saol Veigeáin, Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe
The pupils created a bilingual vegan recipe book. The book contains 19 recipes, as well as some facts about veganism. The book describes the benefits of a vegan diet on health, the environment and animals.
Earraí BOSSK, Gaelcholáiste Chomáin, Ros Dumhach, Co. Mhaigh Eo
The product created by the pupils here is a framed picture with the names of family members made in the form of Scrabble arts. Any name can be added to a frame.
Cluasa Cliste, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Doirí Beaga, Leitir Ceanainn, Co. Donegal
Cluasa Cliste created a product that would allow self-expression through art. The company makes earrings from a range of materials found around the house and upcycled materials. A very unique and personal product.
DSG Adhmad, Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, An Clochán, Leifear, Co. Donegal
These unique and practical chopping boards come with a personalised touch for each customer. The wood is sourced locally and will appeal particularly to those who love handcrafted products.