All Stars Celebration Event

The US devised course is aimed at helping students aged 8–14 envision a brighter future, reinforce school and family bonds and help young people make better choices for themselves. It originated in the US 25 years ago and its introduction by Barnardo’s to local schools was the first time it had been used outside the US.

Backed by a £1.2million investment through the Big Lottery Fund Realising Ambition programme, All Stars has been delivered to over 7,000 pupils in 55 schools locally during the past four years with a reported 96% overall improvement.

Barnardo’s NI All Stars Manager Laura Forte said: “All Stars is proven to work and the fact it is delivered in school as part of the curriculum is an important aspect of its success. If young people have more options and are better equipped to make safe choices for themselves they are more likely to fulfil their potential.”

Pictured with the pupils from Edmund Rice College, Whitehouse PS and Little Flower Girls’ School are (l-r) Barnardo’s NI Head of Programmes, Julie Healy, Education Minister Peter Weir, Director Barnardo’s NI Lynda Wilson and Chris Lyttle MLA.