Helen Kearns, Head of Media, Communication and Outreach at the European Commission Representation in Ireland; Nicola Clavin, Information and Communications Assistant, European Commission Representation in Ireland; Margaret Francois, Communications Assistant at the European Parliament Liaison Office; Simon Harris, Taoiseach; Jennifer Carroll MacNeill; Minister for EU Affairs and Defence, Julie Sinnamon, Chairperson of European Movement Ireland, and Loreto College Junior School Girls and their teacher Susan Carroll, at the launch of the Blue Star Programme 2024/2025 at Government Buildings. PHOTO: Mark Stedman

Schools urged to take part in Blue Star Programme

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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. 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.

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.

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