On Friday 5th April 2024 a group of sixteen Year 3 BEd students from Stranmillis and St Mary’s University Colleges, along with two lecturing staff, Stuart Dickinson and Thomas Rogan, travelled to India for ten days with the charity Saphara. Over the last year the students from both colleges have jointly raised over £20,000 for the charity which helps to support children and young people living in extreme poverty. Every £100 raised funds a child’s educational journey for one academic year which pays for essentials such as school fees, uniforms, books and stationery.
The students had the opportunity to visit two schools which the charity has supported for many years, SNEHA School in Dehradun and Kaplani High School in Mussoorie; the former positioned very close to slum dwellings in an inner city setting and the latter 7,000 feet above sea level at the foothills of the Himalayas. In both schools the students jointly planned and delivered lessons together over the course of a week and it was a truly life changing experience to witness how the power of education has the ability to nurture, protect and empower children, who otherwise would have a much bleaker future. The students focused on a variety of themes, exploring different aspects of cultural differences between Ireland and India through story, music and dance. The students also had the opportunity to lead a whole school assembly at SNEHA school which centred around collaboration and friendship, which would emerge as two very important components of the experience as a whole for all participants. University staff also had the opportunity to lead on two different training sessions for the school staff focusing on pastoral care and pedagogy.
In Mussoorie, there was an opportunity to trek to the village of Kaplani to witness the life changing impact that Saphara fundraising has made to the lives of children and families living in a very remote environment. This included building and repair of homes and outbuildings which provides stability and safety for this very marginalised community and it was an absolute privilege to be welcomed into their homes while experiencing the pride they have for their own surroundings. At the beginning of the journey, the students had the opportunity to purchase Indian clothes and visit several areas of cultural significance including the Gandhi Museum in Delhi which was a very moving experience and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Before heading back home, the students travelled to Agra to experience the wondrous Taj Mahal which was truly awe inspiring and a moment in time that everyone will remember forever. Despite the heat, travelling and various different cultural challenges, this was a truly life changing experience for both staff and students, with the knowledge that working together for a common goal has made a huge difference to everyone concerned both here and in India.
On Wednesday 22nd May 2024 students from Tor Bank Special School attended a celebration event along with their family at Stranmillis University College. The sixth year students from Tor Bank Special School all took part in a DfE funded project called Step Up, one morning per week, from September 2023 until May 2024. Coordinated by Danielle Armstrong, the students have attended Stranmillis every Wednesday over the past 8 months and have gained confidence, knowledge and skills in various areas of the college campus. The aim of this project was to show the students that working is a possibility and we hope more businesses will create job opportunities for adults with special needs in the future.
Throughout this programme the students have been supported by Stranmillis University College staff and students along with Tor Bank Special School staff. The Principal and CEO of Stranmillis University College said ‘The experience has not only been beneficial to the students from Tor Bank but the involvement of our staff and students with this project has been most rewarding and beneficial also. The young men have made a positive impact on whoever they engaged with – always willing to learn, listen and laugh. A credit to their family and to the staff of Tor Bank Special School.’
A brand new resource for teaching mathematics outdoors has now been launched by academics from Stranmillis University College and Dublin City University.
Following a successful 
Greg guided the group slowly up the exit car route known locally as Cardiac Hill. A particular highlight occurred almost immediately as Greg pointed out the three Grey Heron nests. This site has been part of the annual 
Thanks to Mel and Greg for organising another outing to Stranmillis University College Campus, enabling attendees to explore this very special, unique space. Huge thanks go to Dot Blakely for so willingly giving up her time to share her knowledge and expertise, making the outing such an enjoyable and engaging morning for everyone. The full story, written by RSPB, can be viewed via the following link: 
The annual UCAS event held recently at 
The official launch of ‘The Stranmillis Story 1992 – 2022: A Century of Student Voices’ written by former Stranmillis University College Principal, Professor Anne Heaslett, was a joyous occasion. Professor Jonathan Heggarty, the current Principal, warmly welcomed special guests, friends, and alumni to the launch. The event provided an opportunity for colleagues and friends to reflect on this milestone and engaging stories of countless students who have contributed to the tapestry of Stranmillis. The book includes evocative first-hand accounts of the experiences of individual students who have passed through the college gates. It’s heart-warming to celebrate a century of student voices and the transformative impact of education at Stranmillis. The book is available to purchase through the SHOP 
