Speedwell Receives EU Funding

Speedwell is delighted by the recent news that the South West Cluster Peace III Partnership  have agreed £28,059.00 to fund  their ‘Cultural Traditions’ project. This project aims to bring together over 250 children aged from 7-11 years old from Protestant and Catholic schools in the South West Cluster area to examine issues which deal with diversity in our society. It is currently being facilitated within schools and at the Speedwell Centre in Parkanaur, Dungannon.

Schools participating include, Dungannon PS, St Patrick’s PS, Dungannon, Orritor PS, St Joseph’s PS, Killeenan, Bush PS, St Francis PS, Derrylatinee, Moneymore PS, St Patrick’s, Moneymore, Ballytrea PS and St Mary’s PS Stewartstown. Children will participate in practical, age appropriate activities designed to increase their capacity to develop relationships of trust with those of different traditions. Evidence of the need for such a programme was revealed during a recent survey taken at Speedwell’s Schools’ Day in March 2009.This demonstrated that out of 57 questionnaires completed 55 teachers would be willing to participate in a programme designed to ‘involve as many people from all parts of our society to change attitudes and create a better understanding of different cultures and traditions.’

Speedwell believes it is important to give children the opportunity to learn about each other’s traditions, understand and respect their differences and recognise and value what they hold in common. In recognising that the way towards a peaceful society lies through contact, discussion and mutual understanding, Speedwell Trust, therefore, is committed to increasing the opportunities for social contact for children, teachers and parents.