4th October 2007
In a first for Dreams and Teams in Northern Ireland, 44 young leaders and teachers got together with their link schools in Sri Lanka for a two day, fun-filled workshop held at the Clinton Centre, a purpose built reconciliation centre following the Enniskillen bomb.
Five schools from Northern Ireland (St Fanchea’s College, Erne Integrated College, Grosvenor Grammar School, Loreto Grammar School and Belfast Girls Model) and five from Sri Lanka (Anula Vidyala, DS Senanaylale College, Kadugannawa Central College, Berrewaets College and Visakaha Vidayalaya) took part in the workshop.
Day one kicked off with a series of fun outdoor challenges to encourage the young leaders and teachers to get to know each other better, learn about each others cultures and plan the way forward for their Dreams and Teams partnership. This was followed by part one of an interactive workshop encouraging both young leaders and teachers to share information on themselves, their country, culture and exploring their perceptions and misconceptions.
In the evening all 44 took part in a drum circle using drums from around the world which was voted, by all, the most enjoyable and nosiest activity.
Day two built on the activities from the previous day with young leaders sharing what they had learnt during the workshop and teachers building their partnership activities based on student feedback.
“The two days were a great start to the link for our pupils. They had previously emailed and spoken to each other via a video conference, however the workshop strengthened understanding and I have no doubt lasting friendships developed.”
Sharon McKee Link Teacher Erne Integrated College