Drum roll for children at local schools

The event concluded in St Colman’s Primary School, Lambeg, on Wednesday, with a joint cross community drumming performance of parents and members of the public.

The project, facilitated by the Speedwell Trust, aims ‘to develop links between schools from different sectors and build bridges between our two main communities contributing to increased understanding and mutual respect.’

St Colman’s Primary School, Lambeg and Dunmurry Primary School are school partnerships including Ballinderry PS and Ballymacrickett PS, Ballycarrickmaddy PS and St Kieran’s PS, Poleglass, which were selected to work jointly on a shared education programme with a school from a different sector.

Speedwell Trust developed five workshops which explores diversity in our local community, in collaboration with Joe Loughlin, a drumming facilitator and the PSNI.

Mr Gerry McVeigh, Principal of St Colman’s PS said: “The fantastic drumming sessions the project included a good mixture of fun activities with the more serious topics of sectarianism, racism, stereotyping and prejudice.”

Jane Karney, Principal of Dunmurry PS said, “I would like to thank Speedwell for all the great work that went into the planning and organising of this excellent programme.

“Our children enjoyed meeting and learning together with the children from St.Colman’s Primary and it has been a positive experience for the pupils and teachers of both schools.”

Eamon McClean Speedwell Trust Manager said, “Everyone involved with Speedwell is delighted with the commitment and effort by the children and teachers from participating schools.”

This project is managed by the PEACE III Southern Partnership and supported by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.