Up to 80 pupils from Ashfield Girls’ School, East Belfast, have benefited from the creation of a LEGO and After School Homework Club, thanks to Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund.

The funding facilitated the provision of Special Educational Needs (SEN) resources, including the purchase of sensory-friendly equipment that will significantly enhance the academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and social interaction of pupils.

Commenting on the success of the project, Roberta Lyons, Classroom Assistant at Ashfield Girls’ School, said:

“The support from Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund has been instrumental in enabling us to expand our reach and offer support to more pupils while creating a more inclusive environment and ensuring sustainable, long-term benefits for those involved.

“By creating ‘The Sanctuary’, pupils in Year 8-14 have an environment that will help them self-regulate in a safe, comfortable, inclusive space.”

The SEN Department at Ashfield Girls’ School provides nurture and care for pupils with a wide range of needs including ASD, Dyslexia, ADHD, and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Paula Bittles, Business Support Executive at Belfast City Airport, commented:

“At Belfast City Airport, we take great pride in being more than just an airport – we are a part of the community and are committed to making a real difference in the lives of those around us.

“By investing in projects such as Ashfield Girls’ School, we are helping to provide students with new ways to learn, build confidence, and develop key skills that will support them both in and outside the classroom.

“Ashfield Girls’ School is a prime example of the impact that partnerships between businesses and education can have, and we are incredibly proud to support the school’s work in creating opportunities for its students.”

Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund is aimed at nurturing community wellbeing, enhancing environmental sustainability, and empowering the people of Greater Belfast and North Down.

Since its inception, the Community Fund has donated over £656,000 to more than 231 local charities and community initiatives.

To find out more about Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund, visit belfastcityairport.com