Bringing Youth Work, Inclusion and Empowerment Directly Into Schools
Diverse Youth NI’s Schools Outreach Programme delivers youth work within primary and post-primary schools across Belfast and Northern Ireland. The programme is designed to support newcomer, minority ethnic and multicultural young people, strengthen inclusion in the school environment and help pupils navigate identity, confidence and belonging.
Our outreach sessions bring the heart of DYNI into classrooms, after-school clubs and school-based support units, creating safe and culturally sensitive spaces for young people within their own education settings.
Why Schools Outreach Matters
Classrooms today reflect a fast-changing Northern Ireland. Many schools are welcoming children from diverse countries, cultures and languages. While this enriches school communities, it also brings challenges such as:
Language barriers
Cultural adjustment
Social isolation
Experiences of racism or exclusion
Identity and belonging questions
Confidence issues
Academic catch-up needs
DYNI partners with schools to address these gaps through youth work that is relational, creative and culturally competent.
What the Schools Outreach Programme Offers
1. Cultural Awareness & Inclusion Sessions
Interactive workshops that explore:
Identity and belonging
Respect and empathy
Diversity and intercultural understanding
Anti-racism and equality
Tackling stereotypes and prejudice
These sessions help pupils build positive attitudes and strengthen inclusive school cultures.
2. Newcomer Integration Support
Tailored sessions for newly arrived pupils to help them:
Settle into school life
Adjust to language and classroom routines
Understand support services
Build friendships and confidence
Feel seen, welcomed and supported
Youth workers often work closely with EAL teachers and pastoral teams.
3. Wellbeing & Confidence Building
Workshops on:
Emotional regulation
Stress and worry management
Self-esteem
Communication skills
Healthy friendships
These sessions give young people tools to manage challenges both in and out of school.
4. Creative & Play-Based Learning
For younger pupils, DYNI provides creative outreach sessions that include art, storytelling, games and hands-on activities that support social and emotional development.
5. Anti-Hate & Anti-Bullying Education
Delivered as part of initiatives like No Room For Hate, these sessions empower young people to:
Challenge discrimination
Understand hate crime
Be active bystanders
Build safer school communities
6. Youth Voice & Leadership Development
We support schools to develop:
Peer leadership groups
Student ambassadors
Cultural champions
Youth-led inclusion projects
Young people learn to take ownership of change within their school.
7. Parent & Community Connections
Where needed, DYNI helps schools strengthen relationships with newcomer parents through information sessions, interpretation support and cultural bridge-building.
How We Work With Schools
DYNI’s Schools Outreach Programme is:
Flexible – tailored to each school’s needs
Culturally competent – informed by deep understanding of migrant and minority ethnic experiences
Youth-centred – prioritising voice, safety and inclusion
Collaborative – working alongside safeguarding, EAL, SEN, pastoral care and leadership teams
Evidence-informed – shaped by feedback and ongoing evaluation
Sessions can be delivered:
In-class
As targeted small group work
After school
As part of pastoral support
For specific year groups
As assemblies or themed days
Impact of the Programme
Schools consistently report that after our sessions, young people show:
Stronger confidence and participation
Better peer relationships
Reduced isolation
Improved cultural awareness across year groups
More positive attitudes to diversity
Better emotional wellbeing
Increased sense of belonging in school
For newcomer pupils, DYNI’s presence can be a key factor in helping them settle and succeed.
Partner With Us
If your school would like to host sessions or explore partnership opportunities, we would be delighted to collaborate.
- info@diverseyouthni.com
Programmes can be booked termly or throughout the academic year.