Over 1100 students in County Down take part in Respect Programme
Over 1100 students from four secondary schools in County Down have taken part in the Respect Programme, funded by the Housing Executive.
Developed by the Children’s Safety Education Foundation, the Respect Programme teaches teenagers about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and crime, including hate crime, on communities and themselves.
A total of £7000 was provided from the Housing Executive’s Community Safety fund for new textbooks, E-books, worksheets and student surveys.
Issues of health and wellbeing and the safety of young people are also tackled.
Michael Fitzgerald, from the Foundation, who works with schools to deliver the programme, said: “We are encouraging young people to challenge stereotypes, think about citizenship issues and also consider opposing viewpoints.
“This helps them deal with problems they encounter in everyday life such as peer pressure, bullying and personal safety, life skills that can be difficult to convey through normal teaching channels.”
The Housing Executive has supported the delivery of the Respect Programme in numerous schools across Northern Ireland in recent years, with thousands of students taking part.
Laura McConville, Housing Executive Community Safety Manager, said: “We want to empower young people to make positive choices and play an active role in their community.
“It is the eighth year we’ve funded this community safety programme, which uses real life situations to demonstrate how everyone in our society deserves to be, and should be, respected.
“This year, St Malachy’s High School, Blackwater Integrated College, St Coleman’s High School and Shimna Integrated College are helping their pupils get to grips with anti-social behaviour issues in a constructive way.”
Staff at the four participating schools said their pupils responded positively to the programme.
James Lennon, Head of LLW at St Malachy’s High School, said: “These resource booklets have been a fantastic addition to our LLW department.
“The engaging, colourful design and well-chosen, relevant topics make learning both accessible and enjoyable for our students.”
Helen McBrearty, Head of LLW at Blackwater Integrated College, added: “Respect is an outstanding resource that truly enhances the LLW experience for Key Stage 3 pupils.
“The clear, accessible layout allows learners of all abilities to explore important issues with confidence, and it aligns beautifully with the aims of the Northern Ireland curriculum.
“I particularly value how it encourages independent research while also offering rich material to spark meaningful class discussion.”
Berni Walsh, Senior Safeguarding Officer at St Coleman’s High School, said: “The Respect programme has been a breath of fresh air in its content and presentation.
“It targets issues directly related to the young people and is presented in a way that engages and informs.”
For more information visit: nihe.gov.uk
