Council to recognise young people for resilience during lockdowns

A motion proposed by Councillors Leah Smyth and Robert Foster, and seconded by Councillors Jeannie Archibald-Brown and Glenn Finlay was recently approved by Members read: ‘Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council recognises the difficulties and challenges all people have gone through during periods of lockdowns and restrictions. In particular, we recognise the challenges faced by those children in primary and secondary level education in facing these challenges and commend them for how they have addressed such fundamental changes to life and learning. We would ask if officers could provide recommendations as to how we, as a Council, can show recognition of their bravery, determination, and resilience during this difficult time.’

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said; “Everyone has been impacted by lockdowns and restrictions during this pandemic, but our young people have borne a very heavy burden.

“Teachers and schools have adapted fantastically to provide continuity of learning, but lessons in classrooms are only one part of the richness of the school experience.

“The interaction with peers, fun with friends in the playground, are all important to social skills and emotional development.

“The fact that our young people have accepted the restrictions, largely to protect more vulnerable groups must be recognised, and I look forward to those suggestions coming before Council in the months ahead.”