Swedish school principals visit Blanchardstown Library

BLANCHARDSTOWN Library was delighted to recently welcome a delegation of school principals from Sweden who came on an Erasmus+ study trip to Fingal.

The purpose of the visit was to learn about the approaches taken within Fingal to encourage entrepreneurship and enterprise among young people. The group was particularly interested in learning about the hugely successful Young Entrepreneurs Club organised by the Europe Direct Information Centre at Blanchardstown Library.

The delegation included Christina Edman, from the Europe Direct Information Centre in Vasterbotten County. Accompanying Christina were Jessica Bergkvist, Nicklas Brorsson and Charlotta Dahlgvist who are all school principals in the town of Skelleftea in northern Sweden.

During their visit, the principals visited Ladyswell National School and met some of the fifth and sixth class pupils who have participated in the Young Entrepreneurs Club at Blanchardstown Library.

The delegation also met principal Niall Murray, who spoke to them about the hugely positive effect participation in the club has had on pupils in his school.

Following this visit, the Scandinavian guests went to Blanchardstown Library for a detailed presentation on the origins, objectives, organisation and experiences of the Young Entrepreneurs Club.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, said: “I am delighted that our guests from Sweden were able to witness Fingal’s Young Entrepreneurs Club in action in our libraries. I hope they enjoyed their visit to Fingal and have gained some valuable information about teaching entrepreneurship to young people.”

Later that evening, the group got to experience the club for themselves when they sat in on a session.

Speaking about the visit of the Swedish delegation to Blanchardstown Library, Senior Executive Librarian, Lilian Whelan, said: “The club is an example of how the library functions as an inclusive community hub where all are welcome to visit, use our facilities and learn new skills.

The children who have participated in the Young Entrepreneurs Club have benefitted not only from the new knowledge and experience they have gained, but the social skills and confidence they have developed. As a free programme, there are no financial barriers to access. It is a vital part of Fingal’s Libraries’ mission.”