The Nature Mandela at the centre of the photo is a fitting symbol for the interconnectedness that happened when over ninety children and young people from four schools came together in a two-day Peer Support Conference in the Share Centre to celebrate and explore ‘Identity’ in the context of Nature, Art, Movement and Storytelling. As the Mandela took shape, it shaped our understanding of how Identity is not fixed or static but constantly evolving and how it is influenced by our sense of belonging and connection with others and the environment around us. The schools involved along with ERGS were Ballinamore Community School, Moat Primary School, Lisnaskea and Scoil Clann Naofa Primary School, Ballinamore. The older pupils did a great job in guiding and supporting the primary school children. The Narrative 4 story exchange on Day 2 of the conference was facilitated by staff from all four schools thanks to the training we received – another legacy of the programme. Many thanks to Michael Mullin (Project Manager) and Jennie O’Hara (Administrator) of the Better Together Peace Impact Programme who made it all possible. Many thanks to Daragh Slacke for bringing the programme to life through his creative energy and thanks to our young people for their energy, enthusiasm and engagement.
Lily and Maxim captured the day very nicely for us in this short clip
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1amWvrQM3CbdS1FtgpYz2WYJD5G6Vqg3x/view?usp=sharing