A programme allowing pupils in Ballymena to decide how funding is allocated in their schools won the Community Champions Award at the Chartered Institute of Housing All-Ireland Housing Awards in Belfast on Friday evening.

The Ballymena Schools Participatory Budgeting Programme launched two years ago as the first such initiative in Northern Ireland schools. Partners include Radius Housing, Hare’s Corner Co-operative and five Ballymena secondary schools. Pupils design projects, develop proposals and vote on funding use. Teachers facilitate but do not vote.

More than 4,000 pupils and staff from grammar, secondary and special education settings have participated. The programme includes pupils from Dunclug College, Slemish College, Castle Tower School, Ballymena Academy and St Louis Grammar School.

Karin Eyben from Hare’s Corner Co-operative stated that participatory budgeting places decision-making over public funding with those who benefit. Lisa Mooney from Radius Housing confirmed pupils make final funding choices.

Caron Mulligan from Slemish College reported collaboration between schools. Aoídin Darcy from Castle Tower School noted opportunities for pupils to mix. Mrs Robinson from Ballymena Academy said pupils expressed their views through voting. Ms McKendry from St Louis Grammar School observed pupils becoming active citizens.

At Ballymena Academy, pupils approved a water fountain and Brazilian Jujitsu classes. The programme features an annual Big Voting Day where students present and vote on ideas. Another such event is scheduled for June.

Politics in Action and the Electoral Commission have joined as new partners. The Department for Communities and Northern Ireland Housing Executive provide support through the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme.