THE North West Migrants Forum has congratulated Chapel Road Primary, Oakgrove Integrated Primary and St Anne’s Primary on becoming ‘Schools of Sanctuary’.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi Barr (pictured with some of teachers who were centrally involved in the Schools of Sanctuary bid) and staff and volunteers of the Migrants Forum joined the three Derry schools on Tuesday to celebrate their momentous achievements.
A School of Sanctuary provides a welcoming, inclusive and safe space where each child thrives and cultural diversity is valued and celebrated.
Supported by the Education Authority and The Executive Office through the Urban Villages Initiative, the programme provides opportunities for school staff to exchange ideas and share good practice and for children to develop intercultural skills such as tolerance and empathy across the curriculum. It also strengthens connections with families and the wider community.
This year seven schools across Northern Ireland achieved School of Sanctuary status. That is in addition to 67 nursery, primary and post-primary schools that have been presented with their awards since June 2017.
On Tuesday the North West Migrants Forum travelled to Oakgrove Integrated to applaud the pupils and staff there, along with Chapel Road and St Anne’s, on becoming Schools of Sanctuary.
“It was such a joyous occasion for everyone involved,” said the Migrants Forum’s Welfare and Integration Officer Gaelle Gormley.
“Staff and pupils should be very proud of what they have achieved and we are delighted to have been part of their bid for School of Sanctuary status.
“Our ‘Let’s Talk Race and Racism’ workshops were warmly embraced and we thank each school for inviting us in and letting us be part of their remarkable journey.
“Becoming a School of Sanctuary takes an enormous amount of work and we are so pleased that three of our local schools have been formally recognised as welcoming and inclusive places for all children and young people including asylum seekers, refugees, Roma and Travellers.”
Barry Mulholland is Chair of the Education Authority. He said that as Northern Ireland’s communities evolve and diversify, it was important that all children and young people are supported in warm and welcoming places.
“I wish to thank everyone involved, including the dedicated school staff and the many talented children and young people who have showcased the fantastic work being carried out and the creative and innovative practices that continue to be developed to achieve School of Sanctuary status.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the schools as “amazing”.
“This is a truly wonderful achievement that recognises the key role of children, young people, teachers and the school community in creating a safe and welcoming space for all students. It is really important for students to feel they belong and that they can make a valuable contribution. Well done to everyone involved.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added, “We want our schools to be places where every child feels safe and accepted, regardless of what language they speak, what they believe or where they are from.
“Schools serving the Urban Villages areas have been outstanding in leading the way where pupils, teachers and the wider community have all contributed to improving equality and good relations across their schools and communities. A huge congratulations to you all.”
The new Urban Villages Schools of Sanctuary are:
- St Anne’s Primary School, Derry
- Chapel Road Primary School, Derry
- Oakgrove Integrated Primary School, Derry
- Rosetta Primary School, Belfast
- Taughmonagh Primary School, Belfast
- Holy Rosary Nursery School, Belfast
- Ravenscroft Nursery School, Belfast