Primary schools in Ireland are set to introduce a new initiative designed to help educate children, teachers and parents on how the European Union (EU) affects daily life.

European affairs minister Lucinda Creighton and Taoiseach Edna Kenny launched the Blue Star Programme in a bid to foster a better understanding and knowledge of the EU.

Ms Creighton claimed there is an information and communication "deficit" in Ireland when it comes to European affairs and institutions.

"I believe that pupils will really enjoy connecting with the cultures and histories of other countries and the whole school community can benefit from discovering their role in Europe," the minister stated.

Primary schools across the country are invited to take part in the pilot programme, which will see classroom projects and activities help explain what the EU means and how it works.

This will include discussing the history, geography, culture and institutions of the EU, with schools who successfully achieve this awarded an EU flag and a Blue Star at the end of the programme.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments