Last week Lisnaskea-based South East Fermanagh Foundation joined forces with Brookeborough Primary School to deliver a week of cultural celebration through the holding of an Ulster Scots-themed drama summer school.

SEFF has worked with Brookeborough Primary School and Maguiresbridge Primary School for previous Summer School performances.

This year’s play was titled - ‘Schaldies up the Chimley’ written by renowned playwright and funny man Dan Gordon.

Kenny Donaldson, Director of Services at SEFF commented: “SEFF were once again delighted to work with a South Fermanagh Primary School in promoting Ulster Scots culture and heritage. We are also indebted to Stephanie Kenny of Class Act Drama who facilitated the play along with her colleagues. Stephanie’s work is well respected within the Drama and wider Arts sector.

“A number of SEFF’s Board members and staff were privileged to be present for Friday’s end of week performance. They were seated among proud parents/guardians and other family members connected to the young people attending the Summer School as well as other interested individuals within the community and the Brookeborough Primary School family.

“The quality and confidence of the young performers was widely acclaimed by those in attendance. In four short days the performers had learnt an entire play which is no small feat. Too often we hear negative things about our children and our young people - comments such as; young people today are lazy, they have no interest in culture, they’re only interested in gadgets. This unfair stereotype was well and truly turned on its’ head not only through this event but the many other Summer School events and other Youth initiatives which SEFF have held over the Summer which have involved circa 150 young people.

“We conclude by thanking the Ulster Scots Agency for the funding commitment they have in enabling the Sumer School to be held,” concluded Mr Donaldson.

SEFF remains the only organisation across NI to run all three Summer School options funded by The Ulster Scots Agency - five day Summer School for 7-16 year-olds (held at the former Lisnaskea High School site); five day Drama Summer School for Primary School children and young terms held at Brookeborough Primary School and Residential Summer School for 12-16 year-olds (held at Roscor Youth Village, Belleek). In total 110 young people have been serviced.