Empathy in action
National award for Coláiste Phobal
Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré is the first school in Tipperary to achieve a Narrative 4 Empathy School Award, a national award for secondary schools. This award recognises schools that promote empathy, kindness and connection among students and staff.
Alex Wynne, Programme Co-ordinator at Narrative 4 Ireland, says: “Narrative 4 is delighted to grant the Bronze Empathy School Award to Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré!
The staff and students at Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré have done amazing work in the past year, integrating the sharing of stories throughout the school at different ages. Empathy is an important life skill that allows us to identify how others are feeling, to build positive relationships and combat bullying and conflict amongst young people.
“The staff at Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré have undergone training and the students have taken part in a variety of activities like the Story Exchange and the Narrative 4km Walk and Talk.
These activities are designed to improve student’s wellbeing through connection and physical activity.”
Brid Dunne, teacher and trained Narrative 4 facilitator at Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré, says: "I'm delighted that the work we've put into bringing our staff and students together through stories and empathy has led to us earning the Bronze Empathy School Award, it's a great achievement. That it coincided with our Diversity Week at the school makes it all the better, as we really want all of our students here at Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré to feel like part of the community, and what better way to do that than by sharing stories! I've enjoyed working with Narrative 4 and I hope that they will continue to support us as we strive for the Silver Award next!"
Narrative 4 was co-founded in 2012 by New York-based Irish author Colum McCann, who went on to bring it to Ireland in 2016. The registered charity has trained hundreds of teachers and youth workers to deliver an evidence-based teaching method that fosters connection, empathy and encourages positive relationships in the classroom.
Find out more information at www.narrative4.ie.