Children in primary schools in Ireland are set to learn "traditional craft skills" under a new initiative.

The Crafts Council of Ireland is running the programme entitled CRAFTed: Learning Skills for Life across 36 selected primary schools, starting this month (September 2010).

More than 900 children will spend two hours a week for five weeks learning how to knit, sew, make jewellery and craft wood.

According to organisers, it will give pupils the "opportunity to explore their creativity and learn new skills by working collaboratively with professional craftspeople".

The first schools to launch these lessons will be in west Dublin, Kilkenny and west Cork this month and from November, education facilities in Monaghan, Sligo and Athlone will feature the programme.

Children in secondary schools also have the opportunity to learn new talents by taking a 3rd level course in Craft or Design - a subject which will teach youngsters how to sculpt, weave and carve.

The programme could even help train the skills of future craftsmen as it remains an important industry in Ireland, with the biggest sectors being in pottery, jewellery, textiles and furniture.

Written by Donal Walsh

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