SCHOOL children in Connemara are being introduced simultaneously to the world of enterprise, the sea and community development by going into oyster farming.
With the support of Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Forum, a local community development body, pupils at Letterfrack National School in Co Galway are being given the wherewithal to grow 30,000 oysters.
On maturity, they will be able to sell the shellfish and any profits from the venture will go to the school. Pupils from fifth and sixth classes began the venture yesterday by laying seed oysters on trestles before putting them into the sea at Ballinakill Bay.
They will be responsible for monitoring growth, size and health of the shellfish in what is seen as a practical introduction to aquaculture and the co operative ideal. Mr Tomas Burke of Forum came up with the idea, while BIM is providing practical back up.
The young oyster farmers are very excited about the venture, according to school principal, Mr Leo Hallissey, who believed it would prove to be an invaluable experience for them.
Lettterfrack NS is a four teacher school with 85 pupils and recently qualified for the Department of Education's new scheme, Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage. The oyster production idea emerged at Connemara Sea Week, an annual get together in the area to discuss issues related to the marine environment and to celebrate the sea. Fostering sustainable marine development is one of its primary aims. This year's Sea Week begins later this month.
