Belfast City of Sanctuary Statement on Schools of Sanctuary and Community Welcome Initiatives.
Belfast City of Sanctuary is issuing this statement to address recent misinformation circulating on Facebook and other social media handles regarding the Schools of Sanctuary program and activities designed to welcome newcomers to our communities.
Recent online discussions, representations, and allegations are factually inaccurate and misleading. We want to clarify the nature and intent of these programs.
The Schools of Sanctuary program, active in over 72 schools across Northern Ireland, is a partnership with the Education Authority and is supported by The Executive Office. The program’s core mission is to help schools become safe, welcoming, and inclusive places for all children, regardless of their background. It provides a framework for schools to foster a culture of kindness and empathy, celebrating the diversity that enriches our communities.
Activities like creating welcome cards are a simple, kind-hearted way for children to express welcome to people who have sought safety in our communities. These are gestures of friendship, not “political agendas.” The goal is to teach empathy and understanding, which are core values in our education system.
Belfast City of Sanctuary is proud to work with our partners to build a culture of hospitality and welcome for people seeking sanctuary in our city. We believe that simple acts of compassion should be celebrated, not used to create division. We stand by the work of our Schools of Sanctuary and the positive impact they have on our children and our communities.
We invite everyone to learn more about the Schools of Sanctuary program and our work by visiting our website: https://belfast.cityofsanctuary.org/
Contact:
Belfast City of Sanctuary