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Basketball Twinning Programme unites local schoolchildren
The power of sport has brought local schoolchildren together through an innovative twinning programme, led by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
This basketball twinning programme engaged children from across the community, and participating schools included Ballykeel Primary, Camphill Primary, Harryville Primary, Mary Queen of Peace Primary, St Brigid’s Primary and St. Colmcille’s Primary.
Commencing in October 2018, all schools have taken part in six-week programmes of 90 minutes per session during which workshops addressed, good relations, antisocial behaviour, hate crime and personal health, and well-being.
Sessions have been carefully designed to help the children explore culture and identity through a series of activities which promote good relations and shared space. Opportunity was also created for children - who normally would not have met or interacted with each other – to come together and learn a new sport and discuss difficult issues.
Gary Boyd, Community Sports Development Officer for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said: “This programme has been running for six years now and has been hugely successful in bringing school children from different backgrounds together.
“The curriculum which has been developed encourages children to ask questions about conflict and gives them tools they can use to understand conflict when they encounter it face-to-face. As a result they are better prepared to promote peace in their schools and communities within Mid and East Antrim.
“As well as learning the skills of basketball and keeping fit, the children have an opportunity to discuss topics like developing self-awareness, self-respect and self-esteem. There is also conversations around the meanings behind flags and symbols prevalent in our community, and the effects of treating and talking to people respectfully and responsibly.
“To date the programme, which is due to complete this month has been a resounding success and is an example of effective implementation of the Community Plan – Putting People First.”
This programme has been funded by the Department for Communities and The Executive Office through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.
If you would like more information about promoting good relations in Mid and East Antrim, contact Councils Good Relations Team at goodrelations@midandeastantrim.gov.uk / Tel: 028 2563 5036.