The 6th class pupils at Monastery NS, Ardee have started work on a video documentary that focuses on the historical and contemporary struggles of refugees as their Lasallian Leavening Fund project.

As part of this project, they have examined the origins of the word ‘refugee’. They are also researching the story of Irish people as refugees through history as well as the plight of refugees in Ireland today.

The pupils have started to journey through history to examine Irish people as refugees. In particular they are focusing on the plight of Irish refugees following major historical events such as the Battle of the Boyne and the Great Famine. Then they will be taking a deeper look into the lives of refugees in Ireland and across the world today. They will be preparing questions to interview members of our own school community who have fled their home countries for reasons such as war, poverty and famine.

As they are producing a short video documentary, 6th class pupils will be creating a script and planning each scene. They will be gathering images and information from many sources such as the De La Salle archives, Global Charities Concern and Trócaire and the Irish Refugee Council. Pupils will engage in the filmmaking processes of storyboarding, shot planning, editing and visual effects.

This project aims to promote the Lasallian values of respect for all persons, to help foster an inclusive community and develop social justice. 

Upon completion, the video will be shared with the school community through online social media, and the school’s YouTube channel and website.