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Working with County Fermanagh brethren over the last year
has been a very rewarding experience for the education team
at Schomberg House, The desire of the brethren from the Lakeland
County to educate and inform their members, friends and the
wider community is a successful template for any County to
replicate in the future.
The Educating Ourselves Project consisted of four weekly
modules made up of historical talks, quizzes, role-plays,
musical sections and discussions. Participants were taught
about the Williamite Wars, the formation and growth of the
Orange Order, turbulent times in the 19th century and its
role in modern society. As recorded in an earlier edition
of the Orange Standard, this was a huge success and at the
completion 175 people were presented with certificates.
As part of the ongoing education programme, County Fermanagh
District Lodges has presented seventeen Beyond the Banner
books to schools throughout the County. This is a very positive
imitative which ensures that quality educational resource
material is placed directly into the schools are assessable
to aid pupils research.
As a result of both the Educating Ourselves Programme and
the books scheme for schools, it has increased awareness of
the Orange Order and its cultural traditions in the County
and farther afield. In addition, it is encouraging to note,
schools are enquiring about and hosting the education programme
as part of their studies in school. This is an encouraging
development and is certainly a direct result of the Educating
Ourselves Programme held throughout the county during the
winter months.
One fascinating development was the news of Brookeborough
Districts partnership with a group from Riverstown County
Sligo. As part of the building of relationships between the
two groups, representatives of Brookeborough District made
the journey to the Riverstown community. The community education
programme took part at the event also by making a presentation
to the gathering about the history and origins of the Orange
Order. This was a most successful day and certainly paved
the way for better working relationships between the two groups
particularly as the Riverstown group would be making the journey
to Brookeborough for the annual Twelfth July Celebrations.
All in all, a very successful year in County Fermanagh.
However don't feel left out. If you believe that the story
of the Orange Order should be told in your area, please speak
to the David Scott, Community Education Officer about the
many programmes that are available for al ages on 208 9070
1122 or email him at davidscott@grandorangelodge.co.uk
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