Foundation support helps extend charity's school initiatives

A local charity helping Island children learn essential life skills is receiving key support from the charitable arm of an international business.

The Z Zurich Foundation - part of Zurich International - is giving financial backing to Junior Achievement Isle of Man's 'Learn to Earn' and 'Our World' programmes.

Learn to Earn helps students understand the importance of soft skills and financial awareness, and encourages them to study hard so they have a wide choice of opportunities when they leave school and will be delivered over the next two years to all year nine pupils (aged 13 to 14) in every secondary school.

Meanwhile, the Our World programme is for year six students (aged 10 to 11) in every primary school where children will learn about the effect of global supply and demand on the value, price, use, and sustainability of the world’s resources. 

The Z Zurich Foundation’s grant supports the employment of a part-time Programme Assistant.

Chief Executive of Junior Achievement Isle of Man, Sue Cook, says: "It has never been more important to support young people in education to develop the skills they will need to get a job or start their own business.

"The support Junior Achievement receives from the Z Zurich Foundation will mean that more than 1,500 students each year will benefit from the work of our charity."

The Z Zurich Foundation began supporting the primary schools programme in 2017 so the latest announcement builds on the success of that initial three year partnership.

Meanwhile, Head of International Markets at Zurich International, Nigel Simpson, adds: "We have a long and successful association with Junior Achievement Isle of Man and are delighted to extend our support. 

"Junior Achievement does amazing work which helps young people to achieve their full potential, and the school programmes are essential elements in the wide range of initiatives which Junior Achievement offer."