One of Europe’s leading speakers on motivation, leadership and personal excellence took to the stage today (Monday 21st May) during a special celebration event of achievement for graduates from the KEY (Knowledge through Enterprise for Youth) programme. Over 900 young people are set to graduate from the 2007 programme over the next two days with the graduations taking place at the Europa Hotel, Belfast.  The programme, which is jointly run by Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and Junior Achievement Ireland, and is funded by the International Fund for Ireland, brings together young people aged between 14 and 16 years old from marginalised communities on both sides of the border to teach them enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. Participating students are drawn from over 72 schools from Northern Ireland and the border counties and take part in the seven month programme which includes a series of workshops, outdoor activities and other tasks aimed at building motivation and confidence and gaining a greater understanding of other their peers’ background and culture.  Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, said. “The KEY programme provides often the only opportunity for these young people to mix with their peers from other traditions and backgrounds. The programme has been a phenomenal success with over 5000 participants to date gaining a greater understanding and tolerance of the religious backgrounds of others, putting these aside to forge firm friendships and work together in the spirit of enterprise.” “This programme directly underpins the Fund’s new strategy which has an overriding objective of community relations and reconciliation and I would like to personally congratulate all of the graduates here today, by taking part in this programme each has gained a new perspective on what it takes to be successful both in business and in life.” "Interpersonal intelligence i.e. the ability to relate to others and intrapersonal intelligence i.e. the ability to take that first step to be motivated are the two most important intelligences in the world and I would like to commend the organisers of this unique positive initiative. “The fact is that it is never too early to start sowing the seeds of entrepreneurship, or indeed improve students coping and problem solving skills. To truly cultivate the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, we should work on their thinking today." He concluded.Chairman of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, Professor Ken O’Neill, said: “The KEY Programme is a shining example of the positive benefits of business education for young people. We know that today’s graduates will join the ranks of previous KEY participants who have gone on to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities and we thank the Fund for its continued support.”As part of this year’s KEY programme ten participants who displayed exceptional entrepreneurial skills are being rewarded with a trip to the Canadian Junior Achievement Conference, held in Montreal this August.Their names are:

• Rory Maguire        O’Fiaich College, Dundalk
• Daniel Lambe        Bush Post Primary, Dundalk
• Padraig McCahey        Our Lady’s Secondary School, Monaghan
• Terri-Louise McCarthy    St.Mary’s HS, Downpatrick (sponsored
• by Northern Ireland Food and Drink
• Association Educational Trust)
• David Maye            Dungannon Integrated College
• Deirdre Dolan        Community School Carrick on Shannon
• Philip Trueman        Aughnacloy College
• Caitriona Sweeney        Gairm Scoil Mhic Diarmada, Arranmore
• Island, Co. Donegal
• George Carlise        Movilla High School, Newtownards
• Louise Brolly        St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s College, Claudy

The KEY graduation celebrations continue tomorrow in Belfast.

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