New 3 year tender announced for EU primary education programme
Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, has today (Thursday) called on those who are interested in managing the Blue Star programme to seek the tender, which is being renewed for a further three years from 1st August.
The Blue Star programme which is currently running in 106 primary schools across the country aims to foster a better understanding and knowledge of the European Union among our primary school children about how the EU affects our lives. This is done through a programme of projects undertaken by the children on a range of topics broadly related to the European Union.
Under the current programme, which has been managed by European Movement Ireland since 2011, completion of the programme has been recognised by a Blue Star award certificate and the presentation of an EU flag to each successful school. Over 200 primary schools have completed the programme over the past three years.
In line with procurement guidelines, a tender has been launched by the Department of the Taoiseach to enable a Managing Agent to deliver the new programme. Details are available on www.etenders.gov.ie. The deadline for response is Monday 7th July.
In making this announcement the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, said: ‘I am looking forward to a new and expanded Blue Star programme being rolled out this autumn. The current programme has exceed expectations with over 13,000 primary school children having gained a better understanding of the EU through the innovative format of the programme’.
“By engaging our children in projects that bring the EU closer to them and that help them to appreciate that diversity is to be celebrated we are culturally enriching their lives in a classroom setting. By explaining to them what the EU means for us, for our future and for our everyday lives we can foster an understanding of the need for countries to work together as neighbours so that our collective goals and aspirations can be met.”
The programme partners include the Department of Education & Skills, the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Information Office.
More information on the current programme may be found on the Departments of the Taoiseach’s website here – http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Work_Of_The_Department/European_Affairs/EU_Affairs_Publications/
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