A Derry primary school has given a warm welcome to a young refugee boy after he took his first steps to a new life in the city.
Amir Azizi, a five-year-old member of the ten Syrian families who arrived into Derry at the end of last month, has enrolled at St Eithne’s Primary School to the delight of staff and his fellow pupils.
It also emerged this week that there are plans bring more refugee families to Derry up to 2020.
Principal of St Eithne’s, Terence McDowell, said the school was ‘delighted’ to be able to provide an education for a child who had come from such difficult circumstances.
“There’s a lot of excitement about the school, a real buzz and we’re delighted that we have the opportunity to provide young Amir with a solid education for his future,” he said.
Mr McDowell added Amir’s arrival had also given the school’s pupils a deeper understanding of the situation facing refugees.
“Yes, they are getting a better understanding of the difficulties Amir, his family and others have faced in their homeland, and to help them build a new life here.”
Photo shows on his first day at St. Ethne's PS. Included are Terence McDowell, principal, Aisling Harrigan, Primary 1 teacher, and Caitlin Doherty, pupil. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.