New flag project brings Derry schools together

by Marianne Flood

Yesterday saw the completion of a unique project which brought together school children of all abilities from across the city.

The ‘Flags’ programme was run by Destined a charity for empowering people with learning disabilities as part of its social inclusion programme

Children from the Long Tower PS, Fountain PS, Ardnashee School and Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir and Ardnashee Special School produced flags that reflected their own unique identities.

The flags were unfurled yesterday by the Mayor Maolíosa McHugh who also presented certificates to all the young people who took part.

They will be on display outside Destined’s offices at the Railway Museum for the coming weeks.

Dermot O’Hara, Destined manager said: “It was a fun arts project.

“The children have been working together for a number of weeks to design and produce the flags.

“The young people who took part in the project came to the railway museum during school time and used the railway carriages as class rooms to carry out their activities.

“This was part of the Destined aim of making the legacy and history of the Railway Museum relevant to young people and the group is planning further activities that will allow people in the city to access their railway heritage.”

Mr O’Hara said he was very impressed with what the children brought to the project, which was supported through the Community Fund for Northern Ireland’s Acorn Fund.

“It was great having them in with us every week and it was amazing how creative they were”

“Our long term aim is to ensure that young people with learning disabilities have the same opportunities in society as everyone and this Flags project was a small step in this direction for a small group of children”.

Mr O’Hara also thanked the Principals of each of the schools for their participation.