Partnership helps young people in Tipperary to value education and maximise potential

Above: Some of the 2021/22 volunteers are joined by Junior Achievement staff and members of the Boston Scientific STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) committee to celebrate their achievement in completing their programmes in local schools 

Boston Scientific and educational charity Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) recently celebrated 20 years of partnership, which has involved 7,559 primary and second level school students from Clonmel and the surrounding areas in programmes covering financial literacy, the value of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), entrepreneurship and employability skills.

Since the partnership began, more than 250 employees from Boston Scientific have volunteered to teach a range of JAI programmes in local schools.

These programmes, running from senior infants level up to senior cycle at second level, are designed to inspire and motivate young people to value their education and maximise their potential.

One such volunteer, Stephen Dukelow said “We had great fun learning about the functioning elements of the community and all the various jobs within it.

“They were all very eager to get involved in the activities, especially if there was role playing involved. The students from Ss Peter and Paul’s were keen on activities that involved pretend money, and the position of the tax collector was especially coveted!”

Teacher Niamh Hayes, Sisters of Charity, Clonmel added: “The girls really enjoyed seeing the Boston Scientific volunteer, Paula, every week for five weeks when they learned a different area of STEAM and hopefully now we have a few budding scientists in the class.”

Principal Yvonne Moran, Ss Peter and Paul’s CBS said “The programme has been running in our school for the past number of years and we feel that pupils really benefit from it.

“The boys look forward to the lessons and having an industry-based tutor, rather than a teacher, adds a new dimension to their learning. The implications of Junior Achievement’s programme cannot be underestimated. You may well be responsible for inspiring the entrepreneurs of the future.”

Speaking at the celebratory event, Chief Executive of Junior Achievement Ireland, Helen Raftery said: “There is no doubt that getting to interact with other professional role models has a profound effect.

“Showing young people that they can enjoy a meaningful career locally, while underlining the value of education, is hugely complementary to the work of educators.

“We are very grateful to all at Boston Scientific Clonmel for continuing to volunteer to work with us to inspire and motivate the next generation.”

HR Director Helen Kearney added: “We appreciate the support we get from the local Junior Achievement team in training and equipping our colleagues to work in the local schools.

“Getting the chance to work in our children’s classrooms is a special experience.

“Knowing that we are positively influencing local students to consider a career in STEM is a very worthwhile undertaking. We look forward to continuing to support JAI and our local schools – here’s to the next 20.”

Junior Achievement Ireland teaches young people about the world of work and specifically targets those at risk of early school leaving.

Junior Achievement Ireland annually supports 70,000 Irish children in schools throughout the country.