Dublin children take part in pilot school programme to 'address global violence pandemic'

Children aged 4-8 will take part in the workshops in Dublin schools which have “below average literacy levels”.

Children in 31 Dublin classrooms will take part in a pilot programme that aims to seek “positive, intervention-based approaches to addressing the global violence pandemic”.

Today the Think Equal pilot programme was launched across all primary schools in Dublin’s Docklands. It claims to address the “missing element” of early years education by teaching children empathy, critical thinking and how to manage their emotions and relationships with others.

The programme hopes to equip children better to deal with challenges later in life, while strongly diminishing their risk of harmful behaviours. It also aims to address the growing levels of childhood anxiety and mental health challenges.

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Children aged 4-8 will take part in the workshops, in Dublin schools which have “below average literacy levels”. The programme will take place over 30 weeks, as children will be taught 25 "skills and competencies".

Think Equal will operate in 33 countries, with Ireland’s launch following roll-outs in Glasgow, Manchester, Mexico City and The Gambia. One of the schools taking part is St Patrick’s BNS, Ringsend. Principal Ian Lane said he is delighted that some of his students are being offered the chance to partake in the programme.

He said: “As schools in Dublin’s Docklands area, we share these same goals. We want to change mindsets and witness a new generation emerge where differences are celebrated, where everyone is welcomed and cherished, and where children grow to become tolerant, respectful, empathetic adults.

“We see the Think Equal programme as a vital component in helping our schools achieve these goals and we can’t wait to get it started in our schools with our young pupils who come from all over the world.”

Founder of Think Equal, Leslee Udwin, said programme teachers have already cited “countless examples” of positive behaviour change in students. She said: “Our message is clear: let’s invest in our children’s emotional and social wellbeing now, in the early years, while we can, so we can reduce instances of harmful behaviours in later life and the damage they cause to our society.

“We’re delighted that our system-change-driven goals are shared by Google Ireland, whose invaluable support has made this pilot a reality, as well as the committed heads and teachers of the Docklands’ primary schools, whose enlightened approach underscores their commitment to prioritising the best possible outcomes for their pupils.”

Other schools in Dublin taking part in the initiative include St Patrick’s Ringsend GNS, St Christopher's Primary School, Scoil Chaitríona Baggot Street, St. Laurence O'Toole's National School and City Quay National School.

An information session for the programme took place in Google Ireland’s HQ today, which is sponsoring the initiative. Community Affairs Lead at Google Ireland, Teresa Weafer, said the company is proud to support a “proactive and essential step towards fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society”.

Think Equal says the programme is evidence-based, holistic and easy to use. It uses a “narrative-based approach” and is delivered through picture books with accompanying teachers' resources and lesson plans.

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