Co-operation is cool

The Co-operation is Cool project is based on the Cooperative Model and has its origins in the book by Teddy Fennelly “A Triumph of Co-operation over Adversity’.

It focuses on the knowledge that young people have around co-operation and the history of the co-operative movement and its importance in Ireland. The project also introduces the concept of working together to young people.

Primary, Post Primary and Special Schools are invited each year to submit a project which demonstrates strong elements of co-operation but must also have an ICT component. The pupils have been supported by their teachers, the curriculum resource materials prepared by Paddy Bates of Laois Education Centre, parents and their local community in preparing their projects.

Cooperation is Cool

Projects vary from local history projects where school children co-operate with people in their parishes to delve into an aspect of local history to enterprise projects in secondary schools which encourage students to co-operatively develop businesses.

The project was launched in November of 2003 following the publication of Teddy Fennelly’s book ‘A Triumph of Co-operation over Adversity’ celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Donaghmore Co-operative Society. The project has been running every year since 2003 with the support of the Golden Jubilee Trust and being organised by the Laois Education Centre.