The Ballynafeigh International Summer Programme is one of the largest community relations events in Belfast. Ballynafeigh is one of the last remaining shared neighbourhoods in Belfast comprising of people from different social, religious and ethnic backgrounds. BCDA works with local people, groups and neighbouring communities to overcome suspicion and sectarianism, promoting mutual understanding, co-operation and where appropriate, a partnership approach to joint action on areas of common concern. This is particularly difficult during the summer months, as Ballynafeigh is one of the main interface flashpoints in Belfast and indeed Northern Ireland resulting in a significant degree of anxiety and tension present at this time.
The different is age is vast from dexterity, attention levels, creativity and adventure.
'Picture the night sky' workshop with 4-6 age group. I created this workshop on the spot to keep the children's attention while preparing the next wall painting.
'What I had for breakfast' painting workshop with 4-6 age group... The calm before the storm!
'Hand Print' workshop with 7-10 age group.
The children loved the animal balloon making at the fun day. He was super quick.
Others programmes involved in Play Development at BCDA
Everyone’s Hood
The increase in ethnic minorities living in the Ballynafiegh area has given rise to the need for cultural and social interaction programmes for children aged 7-10 years. ‘Everyone’s Hood’ promotes social inclusion by offering opportunities for interaction among children from all sections of this community and exploring their cultural diversity.
Everyone’s Hood incorporates the two After Schools Club groups the young people involved are aged between 4 and 10 years old, they meet twice per week in the Community House.
AcTv8 (Physical Activities)
Creates a safe space for children and young people aged 10-16 years to develop physically. ACTV8 is a football training programme aimed at males aged between 10 and 16 years old. The young men train a few times a week, attend various football matches and have taken part in the Midnight Soccer League in conjunction with the Sports Council.
Young Women’s Work
There are few neutral resources available for young women in the Ballynafeigh area. Personal development and body image are key elements to confidence building in young women. We are currently working in collaboration with the Dynamo Project to create a young women’s group where the above issues will be addressed.
We have also worked in partnership with South Belfast Highway to Health on a Young Women’s Sexual Health Project which involved a six week programme and a residential where the young women had the opportunity to look after a simulated baby.
Graffiti Project
The Graffiti Project has been set up in order to clean up the local area with the prospect of creating a piece of art that will be put on display, the group involves a group of local males aged 14 – 16 years old.
Roof Garden Project
This project was arranged to clean and brighten up the roof garden. A group of young people met once a week for 6 weeks and researched, designed and painted two murals incorporating a jungle theme.
Multi-Cultural Awareness Through Art Project
Funding was secured through Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Unit to provide an arts project for young people aged 8 to 13 focusing on dance, drama and visual art. The project started with two pilot days which took place at the start of July 2007, the rest of the programme will be completed in September 2007.
Training
Ashleigh and Darren have also taken part in various training which includes child protection, First Aid, Play Boards Fit 4 Play Award, NVQ 3 in Direct Training and Learning and various other courses focusing on behaviour management, ADHA and Healthy Eating.
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