EUROPEAN Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Ms Viviane Reding, met with pupils of St Vincent’s Girls National School during a recent visit to the school on North William Street, Dublin 1.
A large turnout of parents, teachers and members of the local community welcomed the Commissioner on her visit, which was organised to mark the school’s successful participation in the pilot year of the Blue Star programme.
The programme for national Irish primary schools aims to foster better understanding and knowledge of the European Union and how it affects the lives of its citizens through classroom projects and activities.
Following the presentation of the Blue Star flag and certificates to the school, the commissioner congratulated the girls on their achievement and commended the work of the teachers and the wider school community in supporting the programme.
She also spoke about Ireland’s relationship with the EU.
“Nothing is more beautiful about Europe than to learn about other Europeans,
? the commissioner said.
“It’s important we learn about each other’s home countries and learn about Europe as a whole.
“I am very grateful to the Irish Government and European Movement Ireland for bringing the Blue Star programme to Irish schools and I wish it well into the future.
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European Movement Ireland, an independent, voluntary and a not-for-profit organisation, will act as the national implementation body for the Blue Star Programme as it is rolled out to primary schools across the country during the 2012-2013 academic year.
Commenting on Commissioner Reding’s visit, EM Ireland Executive Director, Noelle O Connell, outlined the programme’s benefits for pupils, teachers and the wider school community.
“It’s an honour to have Commissioner Reding lend her support to the Blue Star programme,
? she said.
“We have received very positive feedback from the schools that participated in Blue Star 2011-2012 and are thrilled to now be rolling the programme out nationally over the coming weeks.
“Blue Star really captured the imagination of primary school pupils last year and provided both a valuable learning tool and it’s great way for kids to express themselves creatively.
“The Programme is even more relevant now as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU in January 2013 and at EM Ireland we are looking forward to working with this year’s participants.
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?¢ Registration for the 2012-2013 Blue Star Programme is available by contacting EM Ireland on 01-6625815 or bluestar@europeanmovement.ie.