A County Roscommon secondary school has been granted official status as a Champion School of Sanctuary, making it the first secondary school in the county to hold the designation. The status has been conferred on St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen. The Champion School of Sanctuary award is an official recognition from Places of Sanctuary Ireland and attests to how schools work to symbolise and realise an inclusive, welcoming and safe space for all pupils and their families, especially newcomers who come from refugee and migrant communities and other ethnic minorities, including the Traveller community. As well as celebrating diversity and inclusion, through activities and events in the school and the local community, these schools consistently build knowledge and understanding among the students and the staff about tackling racism and prejudice and about the nature of forced migration. Students and staff representatives from St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen collected their award at a ceremony held at the Technological University of the Shannon’s (TUS) Athlone campus.

Source: The Herald October 01, 2023 14:52 UTC