Young people celebrated for transforming school culture

Pupils from St Louise’s Comprehensive College, St Mary’s Christian Brothers School, Larne High, Antrim Grammar, North Coast Integrated College, Ballymoney High, Newbridge Integrated College and Boys Model attended the event in St. Comgall’s in Belfast to be recognised.

The event brought together pupils who have completed the OCN Level 2 in Peer Mentoring Practice, a nationally recognised qualification that equips young people with the skills to support their peers, resolve conflict and help shape the culture and ethos of their schools.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in a range of activities and workshops, while staff from the Education Authority's Restorative Practice team delivered talks on the programme's impact and its continued growth across Northern Ireland.

Roisin Doran, Assistant Head of Education Welfare Service with responsibility for implementing Restorative Practice in the Education Authority, spoke about the ambitions and achievements of the programme.

“These young people are not simply award recipients, they are active agents of change in their schools, putting restorative values into practice every day.

“Young people relate much more easily to their peers and research shows that most would turn to a friend if they had a problem.

That's what inspired us to offer this qualification and work with them to drive restorative practice into schools."

Year 12 pupil, Anna who received her OCN qualification, said: 

“The course has been really helpful. Whenever there's a conflict or disagreement in school, I feel much more confident dealing with it and using the skills I have learnt to try and restore relationships.

“But honestly, I find myself using what I've learned in all areas of my life now, not just at school.

"Sometimes people just want to talk to someone their own age. They feel more comfortable opening up, and it means a lot to be that person for them."