International
‘Learning from Each Other’ – since 1994
From early days, Shimna student activism found a focus in Amnesty International, and our branch has been at the forefront of action on human rights.
In those early days, Siún’s design was selected for a postcard printed in hundreds to be sent by Amnesty members throughout Ireland in support of a prisoner of conscience. A wholeschool awareness raising day was also a wholeschool fundraiser for the printing costs, with quizzes, films, buns, drama and display.
Our Amnesty branch has raised awareness through regular assemblies highlighting the cases of individuals imprisoned for their beliefs or their politics and displays featuring the whole range of issues Amnesty campaigns on.
Our Amnesty has organised petitions to free prisoners, written letters to governments, written cards and letters to people in prison.
Opposition to the death penalty is a core issue. Students have joined in marches and demonstrations on human rights issues. They have worked with local Amnesty branches in a Write for Rights campaign.
They have focused on the rights of women and girls, including access to education.
They have focused on the arms trade, and the contribution of the richer nations of arms manufacturers to wars across the world.
They have researched the links between climate risks and human rights. They have campaigned in support of gay and trans victims of persecution.. War, climate change and persecution combine to force people to flee as refugees and as asylum seekers who need support.
Campaign funds were raised through bun sales and selling candy canes at Christmas and spent on mobile phones for people displaced for any reason. Students also made collections of support items for refugee families arriving locally.
As students became advocates for the cause of human rights, they found their voice in broadcasting and film making.
Their most challenging and effective project was ‘Refugee Voices’ with John McCloskey, head of Integrated and Religious Studies, recording the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. The film was made by inviting speakers to a safe space in the school, set up as a conversation café organised with the Belfast Friendship Club. The students listened and learned as refugees and asylum seekers from across the world explained the circumstances that had led to them having to abandon their own home place and seek refuge and asylum. Two edited versions of the film had to be made in order to protect the voices of individuals at immediate risk. The film was premiered at NCC, and was an immensely moving and challenging experience.
Mia and Oisin travelled to London to represent Northern Ireland Amnesty.
Vindication of the work of Shimna’s Amnesty group came when they won the Marsh Award for Outstanding Human Rights Activism. Individual Amnesty member, Maya Ballentine, won a Diana Legacy Award, one of only twenty presented to young people from across the world. Maya went on to graduate in Human Rights from Malmo University in Sweden. She then moved to the University of Gothenburg for her Masters in Global Health.
