‘Challenge: Biodiversity powered by Danske Bank’ is aimed at post-primary school children in years 8 to 10 and will showcase innovative local businesses from across the agri-food, infrastructure, manufacturing and tourism sectors. Pupils will learn why nature and biodiversity are important to the economy, the impact industries can have on biodiversity and insights into some of the innovative solutions developed in response by local entrepreneurial businesses.

The programme is being developed in line with the curriculum and is relevant for both Geography and Learning for Life and Work subjects.

The Bank is also extending its sponsorship of the Young Enterprise Business Beginnings programme, including the Danske Bank Sustainability Challenge, where Primary 6 and 7 pupils are asked to come up with a sustainable, eco-friendly product. In 2022-23, over 3,000 pupils set up 116 businesses in 82 schools across Northern Ireland, supported by 23 volunteers from Danske Bank.

Carol Fitzsimons, CEO of Young Enterprise, said:

“There is a real opportunity in the traditional education system to showcase biodiversity entrepreneurship whilst helping to improve understanding of the ‘green’ economy and careers among pupils, before they choose their GCSE subjects.

“When we announced the cessation of government funding for our programmes earlier this year, Danske Bank was one of many local companies who reached out to offer further support. We are delighted to be building on our existing relationship and believe the new programme will be very well received by both teachers and pupils.”

Vicky Davies, CEO of Danske Bank, said:

“It’s fantastic to be partnering with Young Enterprise to help educate school children around how businesses operate and to give them an early understanding of the future opportunities that will be available through the growing green economy.

“Young Enterprise plays a significant role locally in inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Growing our private sector is vital to ensuring a strong future for our economy. Danske Bank and Young Enterprise very much recognise that the children we are inspiring through these programmes today will become the local business leaders of the future.”

Any post-primary schools interested in finding out more or getting involved should contact Young Enterprise at programmes@yeni.co.uk