Poetry collection open for submissions for young people to reflect on the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 25th Anniversary

A poetry collection which invites school students and youth groups in Northern Ireland to reflect on the lasting impact of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement through poetry has been launched, 25 years on from the signing of the historic peace deal.

The initiative has been organised by Never Such Innocence, a charity which provides tools for children and young people to reflect on the realities of war and conflict and to make their voices heard.

It is open to both primary and secondary school pupils as well as members of youth groups, and encourages them to write a 25 word or 25 line poem to reflect on the last quarter century since the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and their hopes for the future.

A selection of the winning poems will be published in a digital booklet and showcased at a special event in Northern Ireland later this year.

Schools, teachers and youth groups contributing to the poetry collection who are interested in learning about the Agreement are invited to utilise the free educational resources developed by The National Archives as part of the Northern Ireland Office programme to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. The free, optional resources have been developed in collaboration with academics, teachers and other experts, with consultation from curriculum and school bodies across the UK.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, said:

Never Such Innocence’s poetry collection is a fantastic opportunity for school students and youth groups to get creative with poetry and reflect on the last 25 years since the signing of the historic Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

The educational resources developed by The National Archives also serve as a great opportunity for schools and teachers to frame lesson plans and educate pupils on the significance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement to further their understanding of the Agreement and the incredible progress Northern Ireland has made.

Never Such Innocence Chief Executive Officer Katie Salari, said:

Young people are the leaders and peace keepers of tomorrow - your voices matter. We can’t wait to read your fantastic poems and hear your reflections on this important anniversary!

Poems are to be submitted by 15 June. Pupils must fill out a simple online form to enter.

For further information, please contact Never Such Innocence via enquiries@neversuchinnoce.com.