Children at St Patrick’s Primary School in Dungannon were full of smiles and cheer at a special event to celebrate cultural difference thanks to a grant from the Housing Executive.

P6 pupils were taking part in a project called Let’s Talk Race and Racism, which explored diversity and encouraged respect for different cultures.

The project, organised by the North West Migrant Forum, taught the children how to communicate better, create togetherness and to explore ways of dealing with racism.

Vice-principal Roisin Campbell said: “On the last day of the project we held a special celebration of cultures. Children were able to try on costumes, perform dances from various

St Patrick’s Primary School P6 pupils and teachers at the Cultural Awareness event - Mrs Cush, Mr O’Farrell, Mr Hyndman and Mrs Lupari pictured with Ann Marie Convery, NI Housing Executive. Pic: John Stafford

placeholder image — St Patrick’s Primary School P6 pupils and teachers at the Cultural Awareness event - Mrs Cush, Mr O’Farrell, Mr Hyndman and Mrs Lupari pictured with Ann Marie Convery, NI Housing Executive. Pic: John Stafford

nations and find out about food from different countries,” she explained.

“The Housing Executive approached us to see if we would be interested in hosting this project with our P6s because of diverse populations in the Dungannon area, to create an awareness of cultural issues, reach out to the wider community and to promote tolerance beyond the school gate.

“Our pupils all get along very well in school and this has given them new ideas to consider. The children really enjoyed the project which stretched them and it was a big success.”

Anne Marie Convery, the Housing Executive’s good relations officer for the area, said: “We were delighted to be involved. We want to help promote good relations, and increase public

Trying some of the clothing from different cultures. Pic John Stafford

awareness of cultures and traditions of minority communities.

“Our goal is to support connections and relationships between existing and new communities and to build relationships of trust as children socialise with each other.”

Anne Marie added: “We strive to help people feel part of the wider community. Using our Cohesion Fund, we can support excellent work like this in local schools.”

The Let’s talk Race and Racism educational programme aims to promote public awareness of cultures, provoke debates on the value and the richness of the diverse cultures in

Pupils try on cultural clothing at St Patrick’s Primary School. Pic: John Stafford

Northern Ireland, promote tolerance, acceptance, kindness and mutual understanding, as well as develop intercultural dialogue and partnership between communities.

If you would like to know more about the Housing Executive’s Cohesion Fund, visit www.nihe.co.uk