IN PICTURES: Derry families celebrate having fun with numbers

A celebration event took place at the Millennium Forum this week to showcase the successful delivery of Soft Landing within the Community, a local initiative delivered under the Multiply programme, aimed at improving numeracy skills.

The Multiply programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered in Northern Ireland by the Department for the Economy, with assistance from Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The showcase event was an opportunity for local families to celebrate their participation in the programme aimed at parents wishing to increase their numeracy skills to help their children and their own learning progression. 

Delivered as part of the programme was a series of Family Friendly Interactive Fun Days and Structured Six-Week Programmes – where families were encouraged to participate in fun maths-themed games. There was also an opportunity to take part in card games and puzzles and get involved in hands-on problem-solving activities and digital games aimed at reinforcing and enhancing mathematical skills in an informal but enjoyable and fun setting.

Primary NumeraSee were contracted by Derry City and Strabane District Council to delivery this initiative as part of a wider £5.9m Multiply Fund managed by the Department for the Economy in the north of Ireland.

Katrina Bradley, from Primary NumeraSee said: “We were delighted to receive funding to deliver these interactive sessions to provide numeracy skills support to families in Derry and Strabane. We were keen to ensure that the sessions were done in a way that was not only interactive and interesting but that encouraged a positive attitude towards numbers and the important role they play in daily activities. Everyone that took part really enjoyed it and we really hope that it helped develop a love of learning in a fun and interactive way.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr added her support to the initiative. “I think this programme is wonderful. I love the concept of making maths fun and bringing families together in a fun and relaxing environment to learn new numeracy skills. By developing and enhancing maths skills we are providing a new lifeline to many families by providing them with the skills and confidence to boost their opportunities in life and enhance their well-being. I am delighted to hear that the participants enjoyed the sessions and the new skills they learnt from being part of the programme. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Jarlath Gallagher, one of the participants said: “I just wanted to share how much the Soft Landing within the Community ‘Team Up’ programme at Strabane Library has meant to my daughter and me. The sessions were delivered in a fun and engaging way, making an essential skill set more accessible than usual.

"Katrina and Franz provided fantastic content that encouraged both children and parents to get involved, fostering a positive environment with a strong theme of ‘giving it a go’. My daughter, Mara, loves the subject but isn’t always the most confident in putting herself forward. These sessions gave her the space to do so, with me learning alongside her. Mathematics is a skill that touches every aspect of life, and understanding the principles behind problem-solving will benefit all participants for years to come. Thank you for the support and the opportunity of the Soft Landing within the Community ‘Team Up’ programme not just with my daughter, but with the wider Strabane community as well!”

The Department for the Economy is leading on the delivery of the Multiply Programme in the north of Ireland. This programme will support the Economic Vision for a regionally balanced economy with good jobs and increased productivity. Numeracy is a vital skill and programmes like the initiatives rolled out in Derry and Strabane will help boost the competence and confidence of over 3,000 people across the North and in turn enhance their opportunities for further training and employment.”

The Multiply programme is being delivered by further education colleges, universities and local councils in collaboration with the community and voluntary sector.