A rerun of World of Welcome programme in Clare libraries
LIBRARIES around the county of Clare have relaunched the World of Welcome programme to promote inclusion for children and young people, after a successful first trial.
Art and literary workshops will again be held as part of the programme, coordinated by Clare Libraries’ Children’s Librarian, Patricia Fitzgerald.
Designed to “promote diversity, inclusion and cultural integration”, World of Welcome aims to benefit children who have fled their homes due to political unrest, like that of Ukraine.
The project was popular when first attended by schoolchildren from in the Ennis, Kilkee, Shannon, Scariff and Ennistymon areas in October last.
Clare Libraries have received funding from the Community Foundation of Ireland to rerun the project in the South Clare region, focusing on communities that have a concentration of Ukrainian children and teenagers living in Shannon and Sixmilebridge.
Speaking at the launch of the second iteration of the programme, Clare County Librarian, Helen Walsh, said: “I am delighted to see this innovative programme continue to grow and reach children and young people in communities across Clare.
“This project utilises the role of the library as a welcoming space that allows children and young people to learn about inclusivity and diversity through the arts in a non-formal setting.”
Children and teachers from St John’s National School and St Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon, as well as St Finnachta’s National School in Sixmilebridge, are currently participating until June 13. Parents will be invited to attend a grand finale event in Shannon Library on this date.
Author and facilitator, Debbie Thomas, added: “The focus of the programme will be on the influences that have shaped each child, the qualities that make a great friend, the diversity of our planet, and the beauty of friendship through poems, pictures and games.”