South Belfast Event | 22 May 2026 | Northern Ireland Assembly, Parliament Buildings
Pupils from Scoil an Droichid, St Joseph’s Primary School, and St Malachy’s Primary School participated in a storytelling project led by poet and author Nandi Jola, exploring themes of home, community, and belonging.
Through interactive workshops, students reflected on what ‘home’ means to them by engaging in storytelling and creating artwork and poetry. Their work has been brought together in a published book, giving young people from the Market area of South Belfast a meaningful platform to express their voices and extend a warm welcome to new residents of the Gasworks shared housing development.
A celebration event took place on Friday 22nd May 2026 at the Parliament Buildings at Stormont. This included a tour of Stormont. The event will mark the official launch of the book and celebrate the pupils’ participation in ‘Knock Knock’. A copy of the publication will be given to all new families who move into the 94 new homes - 60 houses and 34 apartments across 2 sites currently being built and allocated in the Gasworks site in Belfast. It will also be distributed across the participating schools, as well as in community spaces throughout Belfast.
“The Knock Knock Project is a great example of children coming together to creatively explore what home really means to them. Community support, family and a sense of belonging are key themes helping to building strong sustainable communities which celebrate friendship and diversity. The project reminds us that ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing is not just about where we live, but about creating places where everyone feels that they belong.”
“I am delighted to support the Knock Knock project and the pupils from St Joseph’s College, St Malachy’s Primary School, and Scoil an Droichid. This project has highlighted the importance of community, inclusion, belonging and respect allowing pupils to reflect on what ‘home’ means to them through art, poetry, and storytelling. This booklet serves as a reminder of the diverse and vibrant community we are building together.”
‘Knock Knock’ is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. A potential £14.4m will be invested in the Gasworks shared housing development and associated five-year Good Relations Plan’
Radius Housing has 15 shared housing developments across Northern Ireland. The Gasworks Good Relations Plan includes ‘Bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include Health and Wellbeing, Education and Training.
Further information:
https://www.radiushousing.org/
https://www.facebook.com/RadiusHousing/?locale=en_GB
The Executive Office - Together: Building a United Community