South Belfast Urban Village Area
South Belfast Primary School awarded the first ‘School of Sanctuary’ in Northern Ireland
Blythefield Primary School has become the first primary school in Northern Ireland to attain ‘School of Sanctuary’ status. The school, located in the South Belfast Urban Village area, embarked on becoming a School of Sanctuary over a year ago. Everyone from the staff, parents, pupils and wider community has embraced the ethos of a School of Sanctuary, creating a safe and welcoming space for newcomer children and their families.
Catherine Roulston, Principal of Blythefield Primary School said: “The School of Sanctuary project presented an opportunity to celebrate not only the cultures of the children who join our school as newcomers but also to celebrate and learn about the cultures of children who live in this community.”
As part of their journey, Blythefield Primary School has connected with other schools from around the world, celebrated Chinese New Year, created a Friendship club, hosted international student teachers, held a series of Small World workshops, learned African drumming and created a sanctuary garden.
Linsey Farrell, Director of the Urban Villages Initiative, commented; “Blythefield Primary School is a wonderful example of how a school can be a beacon in the local community and become a place of safety and inclusion for all and I congratulate them on their award as a School of Sanctuary.”
Blythefield Primary School was supported by the Urban Villages Initiative in partnership with the Education Authority’s Intercultural Education Services on its journey to becoming a School of Sanctuary; and both are now ready to support other schools in Urban Village areas to do the same in the next phase roll out.
2017/18 Community-Led Projects – South Belfast
Letters of offer have been issued to 10 community partner organisations that will lead projects to support the people who live in the South Belfast Urban Village area. Project lead organisations will work collaboratively and in partnership with other community and voluntary organisations to plan and deliver programmes across a number of themes.
Projects this year are outlined below:
| Project Description |
|---|
Project title: Supporting Children with Additional Needs and their Families |
Project title: Growing South Belfast Social Enterprise |
Project title: Joint Parent Worker |
Project title: How Does Our Garden Grow |
Project title: South Belfast Youth Action Partnership |
Project title: Communities, Celebrations and Connectivity Support |
Project title: After Schools Support Program |
Project title: Growing South Digital |
Project title: Alternative Therapies |
Project title: Early Years Project |
Capital Projects – South Belfast
The following capital projects are now complete.
| Project Description |
|---|
Project title: Sure Start Community Building, Markets |
Project title: Blythefield Playing Field, Sandy Row |
New Capital Projects
The Urban Villages Team recently invited proposals for capital projects to inform the development of a pipeline of potential capital projects across Urban Village areas. These proposals were assessed for strategic fit with Urban Villages aims and outcomes. Proposed projects which met the minimum standard are being taken forward for further consideration and development. The Urban Villages team is currently working with organisations to develop these projects and associated business cases. More information on these projects can be provided upon request.