Arts packages forearly years schoolsto cherish diversity

Each package contains five colourful story books and a CD featuring music from the programme specially designed to help young children develop positive attitudes to diversity. The books will be delivered to Orchard Community Playgroup, Castlerock Playgroup, Greysteel Playgroup, and Roe Valley Playgroup.

The successful programme provided unique training and resource packs for teachers, parents and pre-school managers with continuous support from an Early Years Specialist. It engaged more than 5,000 young children in Northern Ireland and the Southern border counties over three years with funding from the International Fund for Ireland, Atlantic Philanthropies and the Department of Education.

Billy Gamble International Fund for Ireland Board Member said: “The Respecting Differences Programme is a strong example of the practical initiatives supported by the Fund to help develop understanding of diversity and promote respect. The Fund is committed to helping positively transform communities and believe that classrooms have an important role to play.

“These books and music have been specifically designed to help young children realise some of the differences between people and communities. They will help sustain the positive outcomes of the Respecting Difference programme for years to come.”

Siobhán Fitzpatrick CBE, Chief Executive of Early Years, said: “The Respecting Difference Programme has been instrumental in promoting inclusion and understanding diversity. Teachers and parents have been hugely supportive and many have asked if some of the colourful and musical resources would be available for further classroom activity.

“Programmes just like this show that positive changes can be made at a grassroots level even from a very young age. We’re pleased these materials will continue to educate and inspire more children thanks to the International Fund for Ireland’s continued investment in young children.”