The Rainbows Programme is a weekly support group for students who have bereaved by death or separation within the family. These meetings are run by sensitive, caring and well trained adults who meet with the students in groups of three to five.
According to Sr. Marie O Reilly, “The aim of the programme is to help the students to put their feelings into words, work through their grief, build a stronger sense of self esteem and begin to cope with what has happened in the family”.
The programme has been running in the school for a number of years and has been a success, helping many students to overcome difficult periods in their lives. It is totally voluntary, open to any student who wishes to partake.
After a series of meetings the participating students celebrate their completion of the programme by going for an enjoyable day out. At the end of last years programme the students and their facilitators visited the ice rink.
The Castleknock Community College Rainbows Programme is a branch of Rainbows Ireland, which in turn is a branch of Rainbows international. It was founded in Chicago in 1983 and since then has helped over one million children worldwide.
This year Rainbows will hopefully be as effective and successful as it has always been in the college. It is the perfect example of the sense of care, community and trust which has always existed within C.C.C. and which continues to thrive. Everyone involved in the Rainbows programme should be proud to be part of such a prestigious and worthwhile organisation. In the words of Helen Keller, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it”.