Loose the shoes and support Barefeet group

Adam was speaking during a trip home to see parents Martin and Ann,

The Times caught up with him at the East Strand in Portrush before the start of a sponsored walk to raise funds for Barefeet’s projects in the coming year.

A huge crowd of supporters turned out at a foggy East Strand in Portrush to walk to the White Rocks and back to raise money for the Zambian project which was set up seven years ago by the former student of Dominican College.

Before the walk began, Adam’s mother Ann welcomed the supporters and introduced the cast of a forthcoming musical called “It’s a Teen Thing”.

The cast performed some musical numbers and dance routines under the watchful eye of director Victoria Lagan who will be travelling to Zambia in August to teach dance to the Barefeet children.

Adam told the Times: “I founded Barefeet just over seven years ago and the support I have received from the people of Ballymoney has been fantastic.

“We have also been really well supported by so many people, schools and organisations from all over the Triangle area of Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart.

“We are so appreciative of all the help we receive and just want to take the opportunity to thank everyone.”

Barefeet is a creative arts and performance project staged, rehearsed and presented mainly, though not exclusively, by children on, or formerly on, the streets of Zambia.

The project uses theatre, art, dance, music and creative writing as a tool to engage with and support the development of children most at risk of disengaging from their communities. Barefeet offers them an opportunity to have their voices heard and a channel through which to express themselves.

“It works. It’s not rocket science, by giving children some encouragement, confidence, self belief and allowing them to ‘shine’, you can really start to work together to find brighter opportunities,” said Adam. “What started as a few modest workshops with children living on the streets of Zambia has organically grown into one of the most exciting and inspiring projects working with children in the country.”