Family Focus

In 2006, at the height of a feud between families in west Belfast, a local primary school principal was searching for a way to help his pupils and their families deal with tensions in the area. 

Raymond Hunter, head of St Aidan's in Ballymurphy, enlisted the support of Barnardos and a Canadian initiative called Peaceful Schools International, which was set up by a mother whose 8-year-old son died as a result of bullying.

Three years on, the school reports virtually no trouble and says there is a real sense of respect between teachers and pupils in one of our most deprived areas.

The school also reaches out to parents who need to access adult education.

Principal Raymond Hunter

Mr Hunter says there is not much point in giving pupils homework unless parents are also empowered with the skills to help their children with their studies.

He spoke in detail to Sarah about the challenges facing the school and the very active role it plays in the Ballymurphy area.