All kinds of action…
‘Learning from Each Other’ – since 1994
Shimna has produced elected public representatives, but Shimna has also produced activists who advocate for all sorts of important causes.
Méadbh, one of our Irish Medium students, works in Irish Medium broadcasting and campaigns for the Irish Language Act promised under the 2020 New Decade, New Approach agreement. The Acht Anois campaign roots language rights in human rights, and Méadbh is out there on the campaign trail.
For some, activism is part of supporting local and family tradition, and cousins Callum and Andrew are proud members of their Orange Lodge. They are active in their local lodge, walk on the Twelfth and uphold the best of Orange tradition. Emma and James, brother and sister are also members, and Emma in particular is a supporter of the local band. She has travelled with the band to visit the WW1 Normandy graves.
Founder student Christopher was felled by a stroke at the age of only twenty four. As he worked on his own recovery, he realised he could use his journey to support others facing the same struggles. Crickey is now active with the Stroke Association, fundraising and raising awareness. He has also been active in the Men’s Shed movement and actively campaigns for disability rights.
Rory is another Shimna OldScholar who used his own experience of health struggles to support and inspire others. His work raises awareness of the impact of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. His continued commitment to community work with his company Voicing the Void is a demonstration of what can be achieved despite serious health challenges.
Rwanda was already successful and well known on the local music scene when she found the opportunity to act with Black and Northern Irish to challenge racism and narrow assumptions about what it means to come from here. She particularly values her work as a black Real Princess NI, helping ensure that every child will see themselves represented at the birthday parties the princesses sing for.
Sorcha was the life and soul of the drama department at Shimna, and uses her talent now to advocate for all ability access to performance.
Luke served as Good Relations Officer for Belfast City Council, and loved to join up with the Shimna contingent every year at PRIDE. Back home now in Glasdrumman, he still raises awareness of the neurodivergent identity.
Matthew found the opportunity to advocate for mental health when his poster design was chosen to raise awareness and publicise support available to young people struggling with their mental health.
Dara became a published author while still at Shimna, after publishing his “Diary of a Young Naturalist”. He used the platform he gained through all the awards his book won for him to take every opportunity to advocate for nature and the environment. Dara has spoken at rallies at the City Hall, has appeared on Countryfile and at many conferences and book fairs. He went on to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge University.
V'Cenza is set to be a lifelong campaigner. She has been constructively active in support of women’s rights. She is also a tireless campaigner for environmental rights. She has been particularly active on the Save our Sperrins campaign, challenging extractivism using her artistic and research skills.
Kenzi became a Dublin medic, but also plays a leading role in Irish Homeless Street League football.
Naomi began her campaigning life in Shimna working with the fire service to organise safe evacuation procedures for herself and for every other student with mobility issues. And she carried right on campaigning ever after, with her campaign for Changing Places Toilets, accessible beaches and access to all kind of sport for everyone whatever their physical abilities. And she leads from the front, always. She not only raises awareness of the Mae Murray Foundation, but also undertakes all sorts of physical challenges to raise sponsorship to further the work. She posts regular on social media, particularly when she takes up a new sport or challenge - abseiling, paddle boarding, sea swimming…
