Four primary schools in Dungannon took part in the 'Children United' programme aimed at building friendships and sharing cultural experiences.
‘Children United’ for arts and culture in Dungannon
Pupils from four primary schools in Dungannon recently took part in an arts and culture programme aimed at building friendships to help prepare them for their transition to secondary school. The ‘Children United’ programme concluded at the end of June with a celebration event hosted by musician Malachi Cush.
Delivered over five weeks by Beam Creative Network, the programme featured activities such as music, drama and creative writing; and was supported by Apex Housing Association (Apex) and Radius Housing through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.
The four schools involved were Blessed Patrick O’Loughran Primary School, Gaelscoil Aodha Rua, Howard Primary School and Windmill Integrated Primary School. The celebration event saw pupils come together to showcase some of their creative writing and music at the Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre.
Sharon Hunt, Senior Communities Officer at Apex, commented:
Dungannon is a diverse community, with local schools educating young people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. This valuable programme was developed in partnership with local groups, who saw a need for young people to connect and share their cultural experiences. Through music, drama and creative writing, this programme has united these young people, enabling them to move to big school with new friendships and more cultural awareness.
Grace Girvin, Project Manager of Beam Creative Network, commented:
Children United has been a fantastic, fun and educational programme; with the kids taking part in music, drama and creative writing sessions exploring cultural diversity. Each child approached the sessions with an open mind and an eagerness to engage. The celebration event showcased each school’s creative writing piece as well as a joint song. We are so proud of all the wonderful kids who took part in the project, they have shown respect, embraced diversity and created brilliant creative pieces.
‘Children United’ was supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme had its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy, which reflected the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
£13.5m has been invested in the Sycamore Drive and Earl’s Court shared housing developments in Dungannon and their associated five-year good relations plans. Apex and Radius Housing work in partnership with local advisory group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver good relations plans for the area. These plans include ‘bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include health and wellbeing, arts and culture, education and training.
