BELONG hosted a full day activity programme for BME children and their families in the Armagh City Hotel on Saturday 13th April. Children and parents attended workshops and consultations throughout the day with BELONG, NICCY, NI Anti-Bullying Forum, Participation Network and Parenting NI.

The highlight of the day was the interactive ‘Children’s Court’ which was co-hosted by BELONG and Patricia Lewsley–Mooney, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) who judged which of their rights were being breached at a ‘Children’s Court’.

Children spoke about issues they are facing in their everyday lives and the Children’s Commissioner then gave her ruling on what rights have been breached and what actions should be taken.

Service providers and community organisations were in attendance at the Children’s Court to offer their support and they also had an opportunity to view the artwork and performances developed by children and to hear their very own composition, ‘BELONG in Song’.

BELONG Programme Manager, Deirdre McAliskey said: “This was an important event for us and it’s primary aims was to ensure that the voices of BME children were heard, listened to and acted upon by the adults and agencies who have responsibility to support them in the fulfilment of their rights. Among the issues raised at the Children’s Court were the child’s right to play, to have a say and also their right to their own culture, language and beliefs.”

Deirdre McAliskey BELONG Programme Manager, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, and participating children from the BELONG Programme at the Children’s Court on Saturday 13th April.

NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney said: “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a list of promises made by Government to children. My job is to safeguard and promote the rights and best interests of all children and young people in Northern Ireland and to make sure Government keeps those promises. I enjoyed listening to these young people’s views, hearing about the issues they face in everyday life and seeing how I can help ensure that their rights are protected.” The event marked the beginning of ‘Phase 2’ of the BELONG Programme, which will focus on sharing learning and influencing the policy and practice of service provision for BME children throughout Northern Ireland.

Bernadette McAliskey STEP, Maurice Leeson Health and Social Care Board, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, Kieran Shields Southern Education and Library Board, Deirdre Mc Aliskey BELONG.

To learn more about BELONG, then contact their main office on 028 8774 1960 or visit their website.

To read more about the Children and Young People from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities Regional Sub Group click here