JUNIOR Achievement Ireland (JAI) has announced the continuation of its 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 4th class pupils across the country, supported by 500 volunteers from the business community.

Launched in 2022, ‘It’s My Business’ was designed by JAI and AIB to foster entrepreneurial thinking and develop key transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork in primary school pupils aged 9–10.

Pupils at Belcruit National School participated in the programme this year with the help of AIB volunteer Ann Patricia.

Kayla Rodgers and Caela Gillespie (Pink Panda) with Ann Patricia Hanlon, AIB, Dungloe.

They had the opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship in a fun and engaging way.

Kelly Molloy, a teacher at Belcruit National School said the programme inspired pupils to think big about their future.

“‘It’s My Business’ opened the minds of the children and showed them that anything is possible,” she said.

“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.”