Blog, In the News, N4 Ireland
Enniskillen, Northern Ireland: The Work of Peace Building Continues—One Story at a Time.
Narrative 4 recently led a two-day workshop bringing together 27 young people from Enniskillen Royal Grammar School in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland and the Community School in Ballinamore (Leitrim, Republic of Ireland).
The youth travelled and visited each other’s schools and on each occasion Narrative 4 staff were on hand to deliver two separate Story Exchanges. They bonded over their shared love of sport, music and Taylor Swift!
The project was part of the The “Better Together – Níos Fearr Le Chéile” a reconciliation project which has worked with participants of all ages and communities in the border counties of Leitrim, Cavan, Fermanagh and Tyrone with a focus on building co-operation and developing links.
Rachel Gleeson Programme Manager of Narrative 4 Ireland said “These youth would not have had the opportunity to get to meet each other without this project. This is a great opportunity to break down barriers and create connections across communities that historically have been divided. Through the power of storytelling, they discovered similarities, understanding and the connections that unite us across borders”
The project was funded by the IFI under the Peace Impact Programme (PIP), to deliver positive community transformation through sensitive intervention with communities that have not previously taken part in peace and reconciliation work.
🎬 Watch this powerful moment unfold:
Instagram Reel – The Power of Story
Training teachers and Community workers
Narrative 4 also trained 2 teachers and 2 community workers as Story Exchange Facilitators. The newly trained Facilitators delivered a cross-community Story Exchange with a group of 90 students from 4 schools on March 19th in Enniskillen.
Students from Ballinamore Community School, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Moat Primary School, and Scoil Chlann Naofa, Ballinamore, engaged in a day filled with powerful conversations, creative exercises and moments of deep personal reflection. As well as taking part in a Story Exchange.
The Story Exchange model—at the heart of Narrative 4’s mission—challenges participants to step into one another’s lives, breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes through the simple yet profound act of sharing personal stories. —it cultivates kindness, compassion, and curiosity in a way that few other exercises can.
The impact of the event was evident in the students’ reflections:
“I spoke in front of people & enjoyed it.”
“Everyone listened to each other. No one judged.”
“I enjoyed it a lot because I sat next to new people.”
“I loved hearing about my partner’s successes.”
“I am very proud of myself.”
“It was enjoyable and interesting to hear other people’s stories.”
These words capture the heart of what Narrative 4 aims to achieve—creating a space where young people feel heard, valued, and connected.
Read about this exchange on the official website of the Ballinamore Area City Council: https://www.ballinamoreareacc.ie/school-story-exchange/
Reach out to us at marketing@narrative4.com to structure a similar experience for your school or community!
Related Blog Posts
-
An Interview with Leslie S. Leff, School Adjustment Counselor, New Hingham Regional Elementary School, MA
Blog • April 30, 2025At the Jubilee of the World of Communication Conference, Pope Francis addressed communicators and global storytellers, urging them to share narratives that inspire hope, bridge divides, and foster unity. As part of this inaugural Jubilee event, youth organization Narrative 4 led a special storytelling workshop with 130 young professional communicators from 62 countries, showcasing the power of storytelling as a force for repair and positive social change.
-
Narrative 4 Mexico in the press!
Blog • February 28, 2025 -
PRESS RELEASE – Narrative 4 Leads Storytelling Workshop at The Vatican, Answering Pope Francis’s Call to “Let Your Storytelling Be Hope Telling”
Blog • February 6, 2025At the Jubilee of the World of Communication Conference, Pope Francis addressed communicators and global storytellers, urging them to share narratives that inspire hope, bridge divides, and foster unity. As part of this inaugural Jubilee event, youth organization Narrative 4 led a special storytelling workshop with 130 young professional communicators from 62 countries, showcasing the power of storytelling as a force for repair and positive social change.