Minister Heather Humphreys Announces new Social Enterprise Module for Young People

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, in partnership with the youth organisation Foróige, has today (Wednesday 10 March) announced a Social Enterprise Module which will be availed of by thousands of young people across the country.

The module, introduced as part of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Programme, will be primarily taught in DEIS schools.

The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) has provided €30,000 to support the roll-out of the initiative.

It’s envisaged that approximately 120 teachers will be involved in its delivery.

Announcing the programme today, Minister Humphreys said:

 “This module is a fantastic opportunity to teach young people about the positive impact Social Enterprise has across the country.

“Social enterprises are businesses that work primarily to improve the lives of people and to better their communities.

“I am delighted that my Department is working closely with Foróige to roll out this initiative, which will be availed of by thousands of young people in the coming months.”

 The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a youth entrepreneurship education and development programme, managed and provided by Foróige in Ireland.

This project is in line with a number of commitments in the National Social Enterprise Policy which seeks to develop social enterprise in Ireland. DRCD is working to include social enterprise modules in all levels of education and training, and this module supports social enterprise initiation through a targeted initiative for young people.

The Minister continued:

 “Ireland’s recovery must be an inclusive and sustainable one as we work to repair both our society and economy post Covid-19.”

“Our young people are as well-placed as anyone to further build on our Social Enterprise success to date.

“By taking part in the Social Enterprise module, they can help shape a just and sustainable future for all our communities.”

 Seán Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Foróige said:

"Foróige is delighted to partner with the Department of Rural and Community Development to give young people an opportunity to learn first-hand about the concept, methods and values of social entrepreneurship.

“Young people are particularly socially driven and this initiative will enable them to become entrepreneurs for change, bringing together the business and life skills they learn through Foróige's NFTE programme with their innate desire to make a difference in the world and in the lives of others.”

 Mr Campbell added:

 “As an organisation we are very happy to be working on a programme that supports the achievement of the objectives of the National Social Enterprise Policy and gives young people an opportunity to play their part in strengthening social enterprise in Ireland.”