22/01/2009

Enterprise And Innovation Boost For Schools Launched

A new online learning and employability resource for schools has been launched by Invest Northern Ireland.

In conjunction with the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), the website www.clk2do.com is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and is designed to develop an ethos of innovation and enterprise amongst our young people.

It provides a range of business lessons and activities for 11-14 year olds and is now available for use by all post-primary schools.

Ian Murphy, Invest NI's Managing Director of Clients and Entrepreneurship, said: "This new online learning resource supports the development of a more entrepreneurial culture in Northern Ireland.

"By teaching our young people to be more creative and pro-active in putting their vast amount of enterprising talent into practice, we can help build an even more competitive and export focused economy here.

"Business skills such as team working, perseverance, decision making, risk management, networking and inventiveness are all key to commercial success, and this new facility can help our future business leaders improve their capability in these areas," he continued, noting that the option of self-employment as a valid career is reinforced through the website.

"Students can learn from existing successful local entrepreneurs featured in interactive videos, helping them to appreciate the significance of new technology, sustainable operational practices and how social enterprises can make a positive contribution to community life," he concluded.

Richard Hanna, CCEA's Director of Education Strategy, said: "CCEA worked closely with Invest NI to develop this engaging and interactive resource that is closely aligned with the Revised Northern Ireland Curriculum.

"Education for Employability aims to ensure that all young people develop the personal qualities, skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes which will give them a strong foundation for lifelong learning and work.

"Drawing on real examples, real people and local settings helps young people to see that exciting opportunities really do exist and raises their aspirations as to what is possible for them," he said.

(BMcC/JM)

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