St Patrick’s Primary celebrates cultural diversity through music,

ST Patrick’s Primary School in Dungannon had a busy and exciting time last week exploring the diverse cultural heritage of their peers through a series of music, dance and art workshops.

Pupils were joined by local musicians including Clare McCrystal, Gino Lupari and Malachi Cush where they were collectively immersed in Irish culture as well as cultures from countries around the world, all with the help of a Community Cohesion Grant from the Housing Executive.

Roisin Campbell, the school’s vice-principal said that celebrating the school’s diversity is important and that they wanted to teach their pupils to respect the culture and heritage of others.

She said, “Support provided by the Housing Executive has allowed us to run this project which fosters better connections and meaningful relations between all the communities in Dungannon.

“Our school has a diverse enrolment of pupils with many children having family links in Portugal, East Timor, Poland, Lithuania and North Africa. “Through song, dance and music the pupils are enjoying sharing their own culture and learning more about others.

“Some of the workshops have been provided by talented musicians who have travelled the world, while we are so thankful to parents from each of our main community groups who volunteered to teach dance classes.

“A special concert and art exhibition held to celebrate the end of our project will showcase to parents all that the pupils have learnt.”

Anne Marie Convery, Good Relations officer for the Housing Executive in Mid Ulster said they were thrilled to support this project saying, “It was wonderful to see pupils enjoy learning about the rich cultural heritage of the school community.

“Pupils will take away a better understanding of the mix of cultures in Dungannon and greater respect for the heritage of others.

“Projects like this one are an important opportunity to celebrate diversity and promote the creation of safer and more cohesive neighbourhoods.”