Hope
A bridge rises
over a river
that flows and flows
and does not hear
what went before
or fear what is to come:
a gift for our present,
a step from our past,
a beacon in white
to catch the light of our future,
a walk of peace for our children,
a rainbow over the Foyle.
Poem and illustration © Deirdre Devine
Once again, we are delighted to be working together with Galliagh Nursery School through the ASPIRE Shared Education project. The project is funded by the European Union’s Peace Plus Programme.
ASPIRE Shared Education brings early years settings together in cross-community partnerships, creating opportunities for children, staff, and the wider community to participate in collaborative and meaningful learning experiences.
In our city, Lisnagelvin Nursery School is located on the East Bank of the River Foyle, while Galliagh Nursery School is situated on the West Bank. Despite their different locations, there are many shared strengths between the two schools, particularly in our commitment to meeting the needs of young children, irrespective of socio-economic background, political views, geographical location, or religious tradition.
The children had the opportunity to explore one another’s settings, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day together, and enjoy outings to Wild Ireland and the Playtrail at Racecourse Road. Throughout the programme, we were joined by the wonderful Doreen Laird and Jo Jingles, who skilfully used music to engage the children, encourage participation, and support learning through fun and movement. We always looked forward to our joint sessions and thoroughly enjoyed watching the children’s friendships grow and develop over the course of the year.
Staff availed of joint training opportunities and the sharing of good practice.
“Being part of the Aspire shared education programme between Galliagh and Lisnagelvin Nursery Schools this year has been a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved. The children, staff and parent volunteers connected effortlessly, building friendships through shared play, learning and time spent together. The programme highlighted just how powerful early years education can be in bringing people together from across the city.”
– Caroline McDonnell (Principal of Lisnagelvin Nursery School)
“Being involved in the Aspire Programme with Lisnagelvin Nursery School has provided children, staff and parents from different backgrounds the opportunity to come together, engage and form a shared sense of belonging. We hope that these positive experiences of diversity and collaboration in the early years will help build a more connected and empathetic community over time. Working in partnership with staff from Lisnagelvin Nursery school has been invaluable in sharing best practice and building a strong professional learning community within the Early Years Sector.”
– Julie McSorley (Acting Principal of Galliagh Nursery School)
“My new friends from Galliagh are called Madison, Summer and Joseph. I remember that ‘cause I’ve a good memory.” – (Pupil)
“I really like to go over the bridge to see our friends in Galliagh at their school. They have the same toys as us.”- (Pupil)
“I didn’t know Jo Jingles sings at their school too!” -(Pupil)
“I have really enjoyed the trips out with the kids, they are a credit to their schools ….. and it just shows, underneath it all, we are all just the same really”. -(Parent)
“The history will always be there but we have to move forward.” -(Parent)
“Its crazy to have lived here all my life but this is the first time I’ve been in this part of the city”. -(Parent)
“I’ve loved seeing how much Ayla has gained from the Aspire Programme with Lisnagelvin Nursery School. She comes home talking about her new friends and what she’s been doing, and its clear it’s helping her understand the importance of kindness and inclusion. It’s been such a positive experience for her.” (Parent)
