Carberry calls on Mayo Primary Schools to sign up to EU Education Programme

MEP for Mayo, Nina Carberry, is calling on primary schools across the county to register for the European Union’s ‘Blue Star’ education programme.

Sixteen Mayo schools participated in the programme last year, accounting for around 11% of the county’s primary schools. Carberry says there is significant scope to increase participation, with just under three weeks left to register before the mid-October deadline.

The programme is completely free and is open to pupils from junior infants up to sixth class. Pupils taking part learn about Europe through four key areas - history, geography, culture and the EU institutions.

Speaking from Brussels, MEP Carberry said: “I would love to see more schools across the county getting involved. It’s free and participating schools get access to materials and activity resources that are built around the existing curriculum.

“Over the past two years, I have visited so many schools across the region taking part in the programme, giving children the opportunity to ask questions about Europe. Schools that successfully complete the programme also receive a certificate and an EU flag.

“2026 is a really interesting time to get involved, as Ireland currently holds the rotating Presidency of the EU for a six-month period, with lots of high-level meetings taking place across the country in the coming months,” Carberry added.

A record 393 schools took part nationally last year, while more than 1,300 schools and 220,000 pupils have participated since the programme began in 2011.

Registration for the 2026/27 programme remains open until mid-October, with a simple questionnaire and application form. Details are available here.