Cross-border scheme promotes creative writing

01/03/2010

A new scheme launched today (1 March 2010) to promote reading and writing is offering schools North and South of the border the opportunity to meet and work with some of Ireland’s best-known writers and storytellers.

Lauren and Tom McKee launch Poetry Ireland’s Border Crossings Project, a new
reading and writing scheme for primary and post-primary schools. Funded by the
Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the project will link some of the country’s best
known writers and storytellers with border county schools.

With lottery funding support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Poetry Ireland’s Writers in Schools Scheme, is now offering primary and post-primary schools in the border counties the chance to invite some of the country’s best-known writers and storytellers for a one-off visit, or to help students to create their own work during a residency. The Border Crossings Project is open to schools in Armagh, Cavan, Derry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, and Tyrone.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “The Writers in School’s scheme has proved a phenomenal success in the Republic and we are delighted to now be able to bring the programme to schools in Northern Ireland. We know that stimulating the imagination at a young age can provide the building blocks for a creative and fulfilling life and there is no better way to introduce children to the arts than by offering them an opportunity to work with some of the country’s most inspirational artists.”

School visits will promote reading and an interest in literature; while residencies with storytellers and writers will allow the students to explore the world of the imagination over a longer period of time.
The Writers in Schools Scheme is one of the longest-running arts in education programmes in the Republic of Ireland. 2007 marked the 30th anniversary of the Scheme. Approximately 30,000 children and young people participate in the Scheme each year.

‘it was the best day of my life’ – student after a writer visit.

‘the experience of being taught by a published author is one that will stick with me for the rest of my life’ – student after a writer residency.

‘the self-confidence and self-esteem of these children has developed beyond belief. They realise that they can achieve success.’ – teacher after a writer residency.

For additional information on Border Crossings Project contact Anna Boner at email: writersinschools@poetryireland.ie or tel. 003531-4758601 or visit http://www.poetryireland.ie/education/bordercrossings.html.