Heywood school children celebrated for taking ‘Small Steps’ for peace

Children from Woodland Community Primary School in Heywood, along with school children from Liverpool with caps and gowns from The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation

Children from Woodland Community Primary School in Heywood, along with school children from Liverpool, were presented with caps and gowns on Friday 5 July, after graduating from a groundbreaking peace education course devised by a charity working to prevent radicalisation and extremism.

Following their completion of the course, children from Monksdown Primary School, Croxteth Community Primary School, Emmaus C of E & Catholic Primary School, Woodland Community Primary School, Heywood, and Our Lady & St Swithins Primary School were presented with certificates, caps and gowns at a special graduation ceremony.

The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation, based in Warrington, runs Small Steps for Peace, an interactive course aimed at Key Stage 2 (nine and 10-year old) pupils which helps young learners understand the impact of conflict and practice problem solving.

The Peace Foundation’s work includes offering emotional and practical support to individuals who have been directly affected by terrorist incidents, and the charity’s Survivors Assistance Network has provided support to over 750 individuals affected by the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.

The Peace Foundation was founded in memory of two boys, Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, who were tragically killed in the IRA’s bombing of Warrington in March 1993. Tim’s parents, Colin and Wendy Parry, presented the primary school children with their certificates.

Colin Parry OBE, Chair of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation said: “At Tim’s funeral I said that if my son becomes a symbol for peace and gives everyone a new sense of hope after so much tragedy, then that will be Tim’s unique achievement.

"Peace education with young people, helping them understand the causes and consequences of violent conflict, is a vital part of our work and we’re delighted to be able to recognise the amazing achievements of so many young people from Liverpool and Heywood.”

Ciara Kinsella, Project Lead for Small Steps for Peace said:  “Small Steps for Peace has had such a positive response from pupils and teachers in Merseyside and Greater Manchester, and we’re all incredibly proud of the 150 young people who have completed the course.

"Our teachers pack includes a book, games and interactive exercises which are simple to run and understand and help young people explain and address their feelings with confidence.

"Small Steps for Peace gives children the tools to resolve problems without resorting to violence, which is essential as they approach their teenage years and adulthood.”

If schools are interested in the Small Steps for Peace course, please contact: commissions@peace-foundation.org.uk