More than a decade of research from Ulster University has been transformed into a creative educational resource that will inspire Primary 5 pupils across Northern Ireland, following the launch of the Inspired Kids project.
The initiative was officially unveiled at Ulster University's Derry~Londonderry campus, where around 125 pupils, teachers, project partners and University staff gathered to celebrate a unique collaboration that has transformed over a decade of academic research into a creative, locally rooted educational resource for children across Northern Ireland.
At the heart of the project is Ulster University’s School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, whose Inspired Research Team has spent more than 10 years developing evidence around individual-specific reminiscence.
This research, led by Dr Claire McCauley, Learning, Teaching and Quality Director (School of Nursing and Paramedic Science) at Ulster University, underpins the ‘Inspired Model of Connection’ - an approach designed to support people living with isolating health conditions to share their life story, their memories and the things that matter to them with others. By doing so, the importance of each person can be upheld through increased understanding, connection and inclusion.
The project brought together Ulster University, St. Patrick’s Primary School (Pennyburn), Fighting Words NI , and the Nerve Centre, supported by £18,000 in funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Each partner played a distinct and complementary role. Fighting Words NI delivered creative writing workshops to all four Primary 5 classes, while the Nerve Centre supported illustration and design, with an artist capturing pupils’ ideas in real time.
The result is An Inspired Adventure, a four-chapter children’s book co-created by 102 pupils, with each class contributing a chapter.
The book is more than a creative achievement; it is a practical resource designed to help children understand friendship, inclusion and the importance of embracing difference. A total of 2,000 copies are being printed, with every participating pupil receiving a copy and additional distribution planned for every Primary 5 class across Northern Ireland.
Dr Claire McCauley explains:
“The collaborative Inspired Kids project used the evidenced base model of 'Inspired Model of Connection ' to empower children by exploring connection, friendship and the joy of embracing difference through their wonderful story 'An Inspired Adventure'.
“The wonderful book launch at Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus was a celebration of their incredible achievement but also watching them become part of the collective potential of hopeful engagement with those who experience isolation and disconnection in their communities.
“We couldn't be prouder of our new 'Inspired ambassadors' Well done to all the boys and girls from St Patrick's Primary School Primary 5 classes. You have Inspired us all!”
A shared celebration
The launch event itself marked a significant milestone in the project, with contributions from Professor Malachy O’Neill, Professor Neal Cook, Dr Claire McCauley and St Patrick’s Primary School Principal Ian Gallagher, and their collective presence underscored the shared commitment across institutions to deliver innovative, inclusive and impactful education.
Professor Malachy Ó Néill, Director of Regional Engagement, Ulster University, said:
“By working with a local primary school and creating a resource that will reach classrooms across the region, the initiative strengthens Ulster University’s connection with its surrounding communities. It also introduces younger learners to the University’s work in a way that is accessible, inspiring and relevant to their own lives.”
Dr Neal Cook, Head of School of Nursing & Paramedic Science, Ulster University added:
“As An Inspired Adventure begins its journey into classrooms across Northern Ireland, the legacy of Inspired Kids is already clear. It stands as a powerful example of how this collaborative approach highlights the strength of partnership working across education, the creative sector and academia, ensuring the final output is both engaging and grounded in evidence.”
Empowering young voices
Feedback from the children has been overwhelmingly positive. Many spoke of their pride in becoming published authors, while others described the model itself as a “superpower”- one that helps them be better friends and encourages them to “not give up on anyone.”
Speaking at the event, the children shared their favourite part of taking part in the project:
My favourite part was everyone getting together to help out with the book and the turtle invasion is the best part in the book
My favourite part was coming up with all the characters and the best part in the book is when they save Gerard the duck’s family.
Principal of St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ian Gallagher, agreed with the sentiments shared by the children, saying:
“I am incredibly proud of our pupils and the outstanding collaboration that has brought this project to life. Our pupils have had such a unique opportunity to engage with meaningful research in a way that is both creative and accessible. Through their work on An Inspired Adventure, they have not only developed their skills as writers and collaborators, but have also deepened their understanding of empathy, inclusion and the importance of connection. What an adventure for our pupils!
“I have seen first-hand how invaluable it is to engage young minds with higher level education in a way that is meaningful and accessible. This project has created a powerful bridge between academic research and the lived experiences of our pupils, allowing them to explore complex ideas such as connection, inclusion and empathy at an early stage. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the project.”
These reflections underline the Inspired Kids project’s deeper impact: equipping children with the mindset and tools to foster inclusion and empathy in their everyday lives, while influencing a foundational understanding in every child that, “No one is ever lost - we simply must use all the tools we have to reach them.”
Strengthening widening participation and engagement
The Inspired Kids project also aligns closely with the priorities of the Garfield Weston Foundation, whose support enabled the delivery of workshops, editing, illustration, design and printing of the book. The Foundation’s focus on education, research enhancement, widening participation and community engagement is clearly reflected in the project’s outcomes.
