Northern Ireland schools mourn loss of Spirit of Enniskillen Trust

In a message issued in time for St Patrick's Day, school leaders from Northern Ireland, have united to express “sorrow and concern” following news of the collapse of the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust.

Coming together from differences in ethos, culture and traditions Principals with one voice, lamented the end of an organisation which they say: “helped to build the peace”. They speak of concern for a future without the continuation of “that unique work”, which still had “so much to give to the future”.

The Spirit of Enniskillen Trust was set up shortly after the County Fermanagh town was devastated by the 1987 bomb. Inspired by peace campaigner Gordon Wilson, father of one of the 12 people killed by the IRA attack, it ran many youth-led projects across Northern Ireland. It has been closed because of financial difficulties.

Speaking following the announcement, a joint statement read: “We deeply regret the closure of the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust with the loss of key staff and several vital programmes. What must now happen is that a way be found to ensure that this work continues, although the Trust is gone. The work must go on so that we do not turn back.”

The school leaders continued: “We have seen first-hand in our schools the power to change society when young people experience change in themselves. Those of us at the cutting-edge know that in our divided society, change does not come intellectually, but emotionally. There is now a gap which must be filled.”

“In its years with us, Spirit of Enniskillen has harnessed the energy and skill of young people, allowing them to name and challenge prejudice. Every time a problem emerges, young people skilled by the Spirit of Enniskillen can find ways to move forward. Recent months have shown that we need that energy now: we need young people to lead the change.”

One teacher Emma O’Kane said: “As a past participant and now educator, I have witnessed how the pupils I teach benefit and transform from the experience Spirit of Enniskillen offers and the values the organisation promotes. Equality, diplomacy, zeal, energy, empathy and a genuine call to be an active member for the good of your society is at the heart of every school ethos. The organisation changed my life and taught me skills, nurtured qualities and offered me a different perspective that my school or university couldn't. My hope was that my pupils could take part in this much needed, highly relevant work and ultimately keep the legacy of Gordon Wilson alive. Our young people are bombarded with images from the media of division, flag disputes, underlying bitterness and hatred, therefore its unique work is still needed. To this day I believe and act out the words of past Director Chuck Richardson: ‘You are not responsible for the whole situation, but you are responsible for your own contribution.’ This organisation empowered young people to contribute as no other did, and I am devastated at the announcement of its closure.”

The school leaders continued: “People talk of the success of collaboration between schools. Where it succeeds, very often behind the scenes, there has been ground-breaking, myth-shattering work of the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust.”

Oakgrove Integrated College Vice-Principal John Harkin said: “Few words we quote in assembly have the impact still which Gordon Wilson’s do. Amid the recriminations about the past, political wrangling in the present, and anxiety about the future, they ring out still: “I bear them no ill-will, I bear no grudge.” Whose life cannot be enriched by work inspired by such sentiments? We need to find a way to keep giving that message.”

The teachers’ statement concluded: “Spirit of Enniskillen Trust has given us over one thousand young people immersed in its life changing programmes. They are in our communities, continuing to influence change. Thousands of others have been touched by the organisation’s work. At this time of renewed tension, this voice is clearly needed as much as ever.”

“The witness of Gordon Wilson has given us a firm foundation on which to build. The challenge now is to take forward that work. Financial pressure may have closed Spirit of Enniskillen Trust, but we pledge to keep alive Gordon Wilson’s foundation for a better society.”

The schools represented are:

Oakgrove Integrated College, Derry-Londonderry
St Joseph’s Boys’ School, Derry
Lisneal College, Londonderry
Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle
Ballycastle High School
Collegiate Grammar School, Enniskillen
St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel
North Coast Integrated College, Coleraine
Magherafelt High School
Antrim Grammar School
Dunclug College, Ballymena
Ballymena Academy
Kilkeel High School
St Colm’s High School, Draperstown