Launch of Blue Star Programme

An Taoiseach and Honorary President of European Movement Ireland, Simon Harris, and the Minister for European Affairs, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill launched the 2024/2025 Blue Star Programme with pupils from fourth class at Loreto College Junior School, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. In its 14th year, the initiative is an award-winning primary education Programme that teaches children about the European Union.

Each participating class carries out projects on history, geography, culture and creativity, and pupils learn about the EU institutions in a fun, informative and accessible way that complements the national primary curriculum. Gaelscoileanna can also avail of the Programme through the Irish language as Clár na Réalta Goirme. To date, over 1,300 schools and an estimated 200,000 pupils have participated in the Programme, with an increase in the number of schools registering this academic year.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I am delighted to launch the Blue Star Programme and to welcome Loreto College Junior School to Government Buildings. Ireland is a proud and committed member of the European Union so it's great to see the Programme go from strength to strength. Blue Star is exciting and creative, and it gives children the opportunity to explore the many cultures, languages and histories of EU member states."

The programme's curriculum features cross-cultural activities, such as learning basic phrases in other European languages and celebrating European cultural days. Additionally, the programme teaches pupils about the European Institutions, in particular the role of MEPs and the differences between the EU Institutions.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for European Affairs, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said; “As Minister for European Affairs, I am delighted to launch the Blue Star Programme with pupils from fourth class in Loreto College Junior School. This programme provides a wonderful opportunity for children across Ireland to learn about the European Union and its importance in our daily lives. It also helps foster a sense of inclusion in the classroom as children with heritage from other Member States have the opportunity to present a project on their family ties in Europe or even do a zoom call with relatives! I’d really like to thank all of the teachers across the country who have registered to participate in the Programme, as they are promoting a better understanding and knowledge of the European Union for the next generation.”

Teachers have the flexibility to integrate the Programme into their lesson plans and tailor EU projects to their classes’ aptitude and ability. The Programme is open to all primary school ages, from junior infants to sixth class, and is designed to be run in every school setting across Ireland including island, Gaelscoileanna, and DEIS schools.

Welcoming the Taoiseach and Minister Carroll MacNeill along with Loreto College Junior School to the Blue Star Programme launch, Chairperson of European Movement Ireland, Julie Sinnamon, said: “In its 14th year the Blue Star Programme has seen an increase in the number of schools participating, this is testament to the flexibility of the Programme and how it easily integrates into the national curriculum.

As pupils begin their lessons on the programme for the 2024/2025 academic year ahead, we look forward to hearing about the creative projects and fantastic stories from the classroom. The European Union’s motto of united in diversity is core to the ethos of the Blue Star Programme, which is a vital and positive message at this time for pupils.”

European Movement Ireland are the National Implementation Body of the Blue Star Programme, and it is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

FURTHER DETAILS

Further information about the Programme can be found at www.bluestarprogramme.ie and https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/clar-na-realta-goirme/.