Pupils of School Mhuire NS, Belcruit, who took art in the AIB It's My Business programme with Ann Patricia Hanlon, AIB, and staff members Kelly O'Donnell and Sinéad Doogan. Photos: Declan Doherty
Now entering its fourth year, the initiative has already reached more than 7,500 fourth class students across the country, supported by 500 volunteers from the business community
Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) is proud to announce the continuation of its impactful partnership with AIB, which will see the “It’s My Business” entrepreneurial education programme extended for another three years.
Now entering its fourth year, the initiative has already reached more than 7,500 fourth class students across the country, supported by 500 volunteers from the business community.
Local students at Belcruit National School participated in the programme this year with the help of AIB volunteer Ann Patricia. Students had the opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship in a fun and engaging way. Volunteer Ann Patricia helped students think creatively and encouraged teamwork, her support made the learning experience even more impactful and inspiring.
"I loved taking part in the It’s My Business programme," she said. "I really enjoyed making the posters and coming up with logos and ideas for my business. I think I could definitely make my business idea work in real life.'
Kelly Molloy, a teacher at Belcruit National School, agreed that the programme inspired students to think big about their future, commenting: “It’s My Business opened the minds of the children and showed them that anything is possible. It gave them the opportunity to explore different business ideas and to look at the elements needed for creating a modern-day sustainable business.
"I really enjoyed the brainstorming sessions and hearing the variety of business ideas that the children had along with watching them try to come up with unique selling points and costing. Our AIB volunteer Ann Patricia was brilliant at delivering the programme and guiding them through the process. She also built up a great rapport with the children during the sessions. The children loved putting their ideas on paper and presenting them to their peers, which was also an excellent confidence-building exercise for them.”
AIB’s renewed sponsorship of “It’s My Business” ensures the programme can continue to grow, with a target of reaching 12,000 students nationwide by 2028.
To date, the programme has been delivered by volunteers from 70 JAI partner organisations, including 114 AIB employees who have generously given their time and expertise.
