Local TD and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald
welcomed the launch of the ‘Inspiring the Future’ initiative, which is being
implemented by South Dublin County Partnership. The inaugural Inspiring the
Future Ireland event took place in Collinstown Park Community College, the
first school in Ireland to avail of this new initiative.
Speaking at the official launch, Fitzgerald said “Inspiring the
Future provides the opportunity for ordinary working adults to go into a school
near where they live or work and have a chat about the job that they do. These
connections and simple conversations may spark a thought within a young person,
may make them consider a career path they never thought about before, or may
even make them realise the importance of what they learn in school and how that
might influence their career choice. A simple conversation and supportive
environment may inspire a young person to reach their full potential and
consider career areas they may not have considered before.
“As Minister for Business,
Enterprise and Innovation I am really delighted to support this fantastic
project. Well done to the team in South Dublin County Partnership, the
Education and Employers Charity, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Google for
introducing this project to Ireland.
“As Local TD, I am delighted that Collinstown Community College is
the first school in Ireland to implement this initiative; I know many local
young people in Collinstown will benefit hugely from this initiative.
Collinstown is an energetic and positive school. Students learn more than just
the academic curriculum, the great range of activities, including sports clubs
to book club, enterprise club and choir. The dedication of Principal Pauline
Duffy and the staff ensures that student’s leaving Collinstown are prepared for
the world. And Inspiring the Future initiative fits perfectly into this
holistic educational experience.
“My colleagues and I in Government believe there should be
equality of opportunity for everyone throughout the country. We want to help
everyone reach their full potential, by ensuring that everyone gets a fair
chance, and to ensuring that all parts of Ireland share prosperity and economic
growth whether that is through new roads, broadband, better third level
institutions and more job opportunities.
Fitzgerald concluded, “this initiative, Inspiring the Future
Ireland, has fantastic potential and I am delighted to see it being introduced
to Ireland."