up2me as schools take enterprising approach!

If you needed a title for a project to help students develop communication skills, self confidence and a positive attitude, you probably couldn"t do much better than "up2me". It"s short and snappy and it defines well a new Enterprise Education initiative from the Cavan County Enterprise Board, which was officially launched in the presence of secondary school principals and enterprise studies teachers from all over Cavan in the Radisson SAS Farnham Estate on Tuesday of last week. It is the first of its kind and its objectives also encompass developing entrepreneurialism, teamwork and presenting with confidence among students. Part of the launch involved principals and teachers going back to the classroom for quizzes and competitions as part of a workshop to get their input to shape the content and approach to up2me. The workshop was facilitated by the Cavan County Enterprise Board and an expert team from Verling Consultants and Performance Solutions. Vincent Reynolds, CEO of Cavan County Enterprise Board, said at the launch: 'In Cavan County Enterprise Board we endeavour to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship among students in the county. This support is currently provided in collaboration with the schools through the Student Enterprise Awards Programme, hosting of Student Enterprise Awareness Days and in-school presentations on enterprise related topics. 'The idea behind up2me came about as a result of that programme and the interaction with students and teachers. As the awards are an action based experience it was felt that an additional support in the form of enterprise and personal development workshops, would focus students on the importance of skills such as communication, self confidence and a positive attitude and teamwork. The possession of these skills is as important to the successful planning and running of a business as marketing, sales or financial skills. Indeed, once developed, these skills can be carried through to all areas of the student"s life,' Mr. Reynolds concluded.