As the BEE Project draws to an end, our team at PeoplePlus NI have been busy preparing for one of the most exciting parts of the programme: leaving a long lasting legacy in the local communities and schools we have worked with for the last two years.

Over the last two and a half years, the BEE Project has supported over 6,200 children and their families across 20 schools, whilst engaging 2000 adults in the community through vocational and recreational training.

With the aim of breaking the cycle of disadvantage through intergenerational learning, PeoplePlus NI and its partners engaged with schools and local communities to organise programmes such as Coding for Kids courses, transition training, Dads and Lads groups, cookery classes, family fun days, numeracy/literacy support, and interview/career days. To help children to succeed in school, many children and families also availed of counselling sessions within the school or in their homes. 

Further promoting intergenerational learning, adults had access to four learning networks across Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, Larne and Moyle. Over 600 adults who were previously unemployed have achieved qualifications through PeoplePlus NI’s BEE Project and over 150 adults have moved into employment or further education.

PeoplePlus NI held celebration ceremonies across all 20 participating schools marking the completion of the BEE Project, with certificates awarded to pupils and adults who engaged with the programme, and educational resources donated to schools as part of the BEE Project legacy.

Schools and pupils were awarded iPads, books, stationery and a vast array of numeracy, literacy, STEM and special education resources. One resource, Doodlemaths, will further promote intergenerational learning beyond the BEE Project, as all participating children and their parents will have access to cutting edge numeracy support via a numeracy app.

Kendra Bolton, Principal at Stewartstown Primary School, commented:

“PeoplePlus NI’s BEE Project has been excellent and most worthwhile for our pupils and parents. In a climate where budgets are unfairly tight, the BEE Project allowed doors to be opened and excellent opportunities given to our families. The broad scope of the project covered many aspects relevant to today’s society, from free after-school activities, well-being workshops for parents, to breakfast clubs and training courses. The BEE Project’s footprints will remain imprinted on our school community with many activities hoping to continue in the future – one legacy gift, Doodlemaths (an online maths app for both pupils and parents) is the latest addition to the extensive list of resources the school has received. I am sad to see the project coming to an end, but am extremely grateful for everything that has been done for our whole school community.”

Judith Cochrane, Project Director for PeoplePlus NI’s BEE Project, added:

“Combatting the intergenerational transfer of deprivation is a monumental challenge, one PeoplePlus NI were proud to help tackle through the BEE Project. By focusing our support and employability expertise on education – both through formal structures such as our local schools and also through life-long learning activities in the community – we have been able to help break that cycle for many participating young people and their families.

“With celebration events organised across 20 schools, we have also been able to see not only the positive impact of the programme, but also build the programme’s legacy through the distribution of carefully selected resources. Legacy gifts are being distributed to schools and community groups who have participated in the programme, with resources given to schools particularly focused on literacy, numeracy, ICT and special education needs. For example, all primary schools and pupils are receiving access to Doodlemaths, a social and educational app promoting children’s numeracy skills while allowing parents to analyse and interact with their children’s progress. This is just one of the resources allowing participating schools to continue promoting parental involvement in children’s education for many years, a fitting legacy for the BEE Project.”

The BEE Project, “Building Employment through Education”, was an intergenerational employability programme delivered by PeoplePlus NI, funded by the NI Executive’s Social Investment Fund, and managed by CRUN (Causeway Rural and Urban Network).

Schools participating in the programme were selected as part of the “Northern Social Investment Fund” Zone, including areas of Causeway Coast & Glens, Mid & East Antrim, and Mid-Ulster. Participating schools included: