Education Minister Peter Weir has congratulated Young Enterprise Company ‘Enlighten Hope’, who recently won the Young Enterprise Award for their child-friendly cancer books.
The company was formed by a group of students from St Patrick’s College, Dungannon, following the death of seven-year-0ld Keady girl Eva Tomney, at the end of November last year.
Led by Eva’s aunt, their teacher, the students formed Enlighten Hope as part of Young Enterprise NI’s (YENI’s) Company Programme 2015/16.
The group produced a trio of books for parents and carers undergoing cancer treatment to read with their children.
And they won the overall Young Enterprise UK Company of the Year Award, and third place in the European Awards.
Speaking during his visit, Minister Weir said: “These are highly prestigious awards, indeed Enlighten Hope are the first overall UK winners from Northern Ireland in over 20 years, which is a testament to the creativity, passion and commitment of all those involved.
“What the students have achieved is truly impressive. Through this programme, Enlighten Hope has written and published a trio of books on dealing with chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects in a child friendly manner.
“As well as winning awards, the company has had sales of over £20,000 with the profits going to children’s charities.”
Almost 1,800 students participated in YENI’s Company and Team business entrepreneurship programmes in the 2015/16 academic year.
The programme provides students with the opportunity to set up and run their own real company over the course of the academic year.
Minister Weir added: “The success of Enlighten Hope highlights the benefits of having the support and involvement of the wider community in the life of our schools.
“I am sure that the achievements of the students involved will inspire pupils in the college and across Northern Ireland, as well as demonstrating what can be achieved through focus, hard work, and determination.
“I would like to congratulate all the students involved, as well as their teachers, families and the wider community, who no doubt offered a great deal of support throughout the process.”
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