Launch Of Gaelic Enterprise Programmes

25 November 2002

Alasdair Morrison, MSP for the Western Isles, today launched the Gaelic versions of 2 Schools Enterprise Programmes that will be used in Gaelic Medium Units throughout Scotland. The launch took place at the Rodel Hotel in Harris.

The Schools Enterprise Programme is an ambitious new Programme that breaks new ground by enabling all schools and teachers in Scotland to deliver enterprise education within the 5 - 14 curriculum - believed to be a world first. Schools Enterprise Scotland Ltd and the Scottish Executive fund the £5 million initiative.

The programme has recruited 36 Enterprise Education Support Officers who train and support teachers in enterprise education. The Schools Enterprise Programme aims to offer each child in Scotland the opportunity of 3 enterprise education activities and promotes a ‘can do’ attitude.

Get into Enterprise is a Careers Scotland initiative that introduces students to the key concepts of enteprise, consisting of 12 interactive modules. They have been designed to be delivered flexibly according to client needs.

There are currently 1800 tutors and 10000 students registered in Get into ENTERPRISE throughout Scotland from many different backgrounds including schools, colleges and community groups. The main aim of the programme is to develop enterprise skills and give students a taster of what it is like to run a business. Recent developments of the online programme and audio version for students with special needs have been very well received by students of all ages.

Both programmes are actively used in Western Isles schools and the need arose for the materials to be produced in Gaelic for use in Gaelic Medium units. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar approached Careers Scotland and they agreed to fund the translation and production of materials for both programmes in Gaelic.

More information on the two programmes can be found at www.schoolsenterprise.co.uk and www.getintoenterprise.com

Notes: Careers Scotland is Scotland's all-age guidance organisation for individuals and employers and offers the most comprehensive and independent advice on employment, enterprise and learning opportunities. Its role is to help and inspire Scots to maximise their career potential, support employers and improve the operation of the labour market. It operates centres throughout Scotland and can be contacted through its website www.careers-scotland.org.uk. Careers Scotland is part of Scottish Enterprise and Highland and Islands Enterprise.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk