More than 1,000 primary school pupils across Northern Ireland have taken part in a newly launched Cultural Diversity programme developed by Belfast-based HIP Psychology in collaboration with Queen's University Belfast.
Delivered through HIP Psychology's live online platform, the workshop reached Primary 4 to Primary 7 pupils across 20 schools throughout Northern Ireland. Designed to promote understanding, respect and inclusion, the programme helps pupils develop a greater understanding of their own culture and the cultures of others, while exploring the impact that stereotypes can have on individuals and communities.
The live, interactive format allows a trained facilitator to lead each session in real time, giving pupils across geographically dispersed schools the same high-quality experience without the cost or disruption of in-person travel. Lessons are mapped to the values at the heart of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, including mutual understanding and respect for diversity.
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“Schools have an important role to play in helping young people understand and appreciate different cultures. By encouraging curiosity, respect and inclusion from an early age, we can help pupils build positive relationships and stronger communities.” Cormac Venney, Founder of HIP Psychology
Feedback from participating schools has been overwhelmingly positive. Across 16 teacher evaluations, every respondent agreed the programme had a measurable impact on pupils' understanding of culture, respect and inclusion.
WHAT TEACHERS REPORTED
→ 100% agreed the workshop helped pupils better understand their own culture and the different cultures within their community
→ 100% agreed the workshop helped pupils understand how to respect different cultures
→ 100% agreed the workshop increased pupils' understanding of the impact stereotypes can have
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Pupil feedback echoed the teacher response, with participants reporting increased awareness and understanding following the workshop, and rating the programme highly for both enjoyment and learning. For many pupils, the session was their first structured opportunity to talk openly about identity, belonging and difference in a supportive classroom setting.
Building on this initial rollout, HIP Psychology plans to extend the programme to further schools across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland during the coming academic year.
Cormac Venney and the HIP Psychology team are happy to provide photographs, pupil and teacher interviews, and any further information on request.
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