Sue Cook from Junior Achievement chats to Tom Curphey after winning the Leader of the Year award at the 2023 Media Isle of Man Awards for Excellence
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00:00 So we're here with Sue Cook from the Junior Achievement Isle of Man. So tell me a bit about the charity first of all.
00:08 So the charity is the biggest educational charity on the Isle of Man, working across every primary, every high school, with the help of 300 volunteers for business.
00:20 And we go in teaching people how to manage their money, how not to get into debt, how to get a job, life skills and entrepreneurship.
00:28 And I remember when I was at school, I did, I did, and you came in to me and you had Junior Achievement Isle, loved it.
00:35 Are you saying that because I'm here?
00:37 Honestly I was telling all these people, I promise you it's not just because you're here Sue.
00:41 I've done it and I loved it. But is it always the drive for Junior Achievement to try and get more children involved, try and get more young people involved, or are you happy with the numbers you've got now?
00:53 No, what we're trying to do is launch new initiatives, so we're really excited because next year the Zed Zurich Foundation has just given us three years of funding to launch the very first website for 14 to 25 year olds, to connect them with employers on the Isle of Man employment opportunities.
01:09 So I think because we're reaching so many, we're looking at what can we do next to support young people to get into the workforce.
01:17 Brilliant, and we spoke about the charity of course, but I want to speak about you Sue. I believe you've been there for over 14 years now.
01:24 It's a bit scary isn't it?
01:26 Scary or, well, or applaudable. What are some of the highlights of your time at the charity is what I want to know.
01:33 Probably tracking the Great Wall of China to raise money for Junior Achievement I know.
01:38 That's staggering.
01:40 And this year we walked away with the European Award for Innovation. So the Isle of Man team from St Lillian's beat 41 countries, 360,000 students, and put the Isle of Man on the map.
01:54 And I think just after COVID we really struggled like a lot of organisations, our volunteer database was depleted but now back up to full tilt, we're back in school.
02:05 So, yeah, it's great to do a job where you had it at the heart.
02:08 Sue, you've shocked me and I'm sure you've shocked everyone back at home. Congratulations.
02:12 Thanks very much.
02:13 [END]