Be The Change

La Passerelle has embarked on an exciting journey with Louis Byrne and his empowerment project. Specifically, the ‘I can I am and I will, #ICIAIW’ empowerment movement created to reflect, own and celebrate your identity.

Louis Byrne is a La Passerelle ambassador for Inclusion, Equality and Diversity and through his work the school have adopted his manifesto and woven it into the ethos, vision and curriculum. We have created a protected time within the school day to support wellness and strategies to improve positive mental health.

To ensure that the process is measurable it is being supported by CYPES Inclusion Department and is in line with outcomes outlined in the NASEN review. An initial survey which looks to identify self–concept at the beginning of the program coupled with reviewing this at the end of the program, the duration of the process is 13 weeks. However, as it is immersive and individualised it is not restrictive to 13 weeks and could in fact become a life choice.

Reflection and journaling can be supported within the school in a bespoke activity which has been identified in tutor group sessions in addition to the beginning and end of the school day. It is an opportunity to develop resilience and life skills which can be transferrable across a wide range of industries, and education settings in preparation for adulthood.

Louis Byrne is supporting the school communities and reaching out to all communities on and off Island to “feel a sense of pride in who you want to be and to seek clarity and rediscovery of oneself, and reconnection “

#ICIAIW has been incredibly successful in providing support to children and adults with SEMH in the UK. Working with Sarah Anderson Rawlins it has enabled learners to collaborate, produce poetry, powerful quotes and feel confident to express without prejudice.

At La Passerelle we encourage self-reflection and time to set personal goals. It is also designed to enable problem-solving and establishing individualised techniques to communicate wishes and feelings with consideration and respect.

We work to support learners to reflect on situations which may have presented as a challenge and calmly reflect on personal and individual strategies using the #iciaiw journal as a guide to develop positive coping steps.

The journal itself can be accessed on the school website and more information about Louis Byrne can be found at www.icaniamandiwill.com and is not exclusive to school we would encourage as many communities