Dragon Pitches Breathe Life Into Schools Initiative Project

Five schools from Ballymena have been learning about democracy and budgeting through a unique initiative. The 'Housing For All' funded Schools Participatory Budgeting (PB) programme is the very first of its kind in Northern Ireland, and has been led by the young people from inception to completion. To mark the achievement, the pupils gathered at the Galgorm Hotel for a special event with NI Executive Junior Ministers Pam Cameron and Aisling Reilly. 

Over the past year a design team comprised of students from Slemish Integrated College, Dunclug College, St. Louis, Castletower School, and Ballymena Academy collaborated with their teachers and support from Hare’s Corner Co-operative and Radius Housing. Together they developed a theme focused on the Wellbeing of Young People in schools, established rules for the process, and strategised on how to effectively communicate the programme and engage younger students in submitting ideas.

Students in years 8 to 10 received mentorship to craft and submit their proposals, working closely with their teachers. The design team also played a vital role in organising the voting events, assisting with setup, managing polling stations, and gathering feedback to ensure smooth proceedings.

The response from junior school pupils was overwhelmingly positive, with over 100 students interested in presenting their ideas, resulting in an impressive 52 sustainable bids submitted across the five schools.

During ‘marketplace’ voting days, students had the chance to pitch their ideas in a Dragon’s Den-style format to the entire student body, garnering votes to bring their projects to life from September to December 2024. Only students were allowed to vote, with staff stepping back to empower the decision-making process. After all the votes were counted, the winning projects are now being announced in each school, with students set to implement their ideas.

Junior Minister Pam Cameron said: “I want to commend all the young people who took part in the 'Housing For All' funded Schools Participatory Budgeting (PB) programme, bringing forward projects that will be of great benefit to their school communities. 

“It’s fantastic to see so many young people being actively involved in the programme, developing important skills and bringing forward ideas for projects that will be of great benefit to their school communities.

“Young people have an important role to play in building a better society for all and I hope this experience will inspire all those who participated to continue to ensure their voices are heard on the issues that matter most to them.”

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said: “It was great to meet the young people involved in this unique programme and to hear how they came up with their ideas and progressed each of their projects.

“I would like to congratulate all the pupils who took part, especially those behind the winning projects. I have no doubt their innovation and hard work will have a positive impact in their schools, helping to improve wellbeing among pupils and in their wider school communities.

“This is a fantastic programme and I’m sure the knowledge and skills the young participants have gained will stand them in good stead going forward, encouraging them to be active citizens and play a positive role in shaping the future of their local communities and wider society.”

Karin Eyben from Hare’s Corner co-operative said “This innovative programme has raised the voices and ideas of young people in the schools, allowing them to think about and experience decision making, project design, budgeting, pitching for votes, listening to all ideas in a respectful, mindful manner before voting for what they believe will be best for student wellbeing. The programme has fitted in well with the school’s curriculum and ethos of pupil centred education.” 

Lisa Mooney, Communities Officer, Radius Housing added; “We are delighted that, during this amazing process, the pupils have become active citizens in the school, shaping the place in which they learn and grow. Not only have they demonstrated their commitment to their own well-being, but also shown a key sense of shared community and a commitment to the wellbeing of the whole school. Their ideas have empowered them to help create a healthier, happier school environment for everyone.”

The Ballymena Schools PB programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.  The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.  A potential of £15.5m will be invested in the St. Patrick’s shared housing development and associated five-year Good Relations Plan.

Radius Housing Association currently has 14 shared housing developments across Northern Ireland. St. Patrick’s Good Relations Plan includes ‘Bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include Health and Wellbeing and Education and Training.

To find out more about the Ballymena Shared Housing Good Relations plan contact lisa.mooney@radiushousing.org

To see a full rundown of each schools participatory budget voting day, take a look at the videos below.