Pupils from Nettlefield Primary School in Belfast exhibited artwork at Ulster University as part of the Resilient Child programme. The three-year initiative, run by Young at Art charity, involves six schools in lower-income areas of the city.

Nine-year-old Phoebe, a P4 or P5 pupil at the school, stated that resilience means continuing when tasks are difficult. She said the classes taught her to handle challenges. Nine-year-old Scarlett, also in the programme, described resilience as pushing through difficulties. She enjoyed the drawing activities focused on art and nature and felt proud to show her family the exhibition.

Eibhlín de Barra, director of Young at Art, said the programme started after the Covid-19 pandemic due to teachers' recognition of a need to build resilience in children. She noted difficulties in peer interactions and socialisation upon returning to classrooms, along with fears of failure and mistakes. De Barra described resilience as skills for adaptability, reaching full potential and maintaining a hopeful outlook.

Art facilitator Duncan Ross led sessions where children painted boxes one color at a time over weeks to learn patience. He had them share resources and work in groups of varying sizes to practice cooperation and negotiation. For one piece, pupils drew on large scrolls using pencils attached to long sticks while standing, adapting to new physical constraints and discussing challenges afterward.

Simon McClean, principal of Nettlefield Primary School, said such programmes are vital for schools in lower-income areas. He pointed to a backlog in child development since the pandemic due to missed therapeutic interventions. McClean stressed a preventative approach to equip children with resilience skills before hardships arise.

Young at Art has operated since 1998 and organises an annual Children's Festival in Belfast with about 150 events over 10 days, drawing 25,000 to 30,000 visitors.