COMMISSIONER PRAISES WORK OF ST MARY’S STUDENTS AT ‘TRAIN THE TRAINERS’ CEREMONY

9 May 2012 News

THE Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley – Mooney, recently told teaching students from St Mary’s University College that they were vital in shaping the lives of their future pupils.

Speaking as she presented the students with Train the Trainers certificates, Ms Lewsley – Mooney commended all the students’ dedication to teaching children about their rights.

The four-month Train the Trainers programme was delivered by the Commissioner’s Participation Officers to 19 St Mary’s College students. They passed on their knowledge about children’s rights and worked with the students to bring the topic to life through new and innovative lesson plans for future teaching. The 19 students then facilitated workshops for the rest of their year group.

St Marys.JPG

Addressing the students Ms Lewsley – Mooney said: “When we work with St Mary’s students there are always new and inspiring ideas about how best to promote the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in a classroom setting.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to be able to support teachers to creatively teach children about their rights which is why we have also developed a Masters level module which will allow students to further develop their skills and knowledge of ‘Children’s Rights and Education’ at both pre and post primary stages.” added Ms Lewsley – Mooney.

Frank Quinn of St Mary’s University College said: “We would like to thank the Commissioner and her Participation Officers for supporting us to teach rights through education, which is vital for the future learning and development of all children in Northern Ireland.

“Congratulations all BEd 4 students for their participation in the programme and in particular, to the 19 students who worked with the Commissioner’s Participation Officers to train as student facilitators.”

ENDS

 Notes to Editors: