Narrative 4- Building Bridges Across The Globe

Letter writing is an authentic form written communication that connects people across time and place. Using this approach, English teacher Ms Coakley has introduced an initiative that connects Transition Year pupils in MCS with students from Middlesboro High School in rural Kentucky, USA, by way of a letter exchange. Ms Coakley explained, “The shortest distance between two people is a story. The project was coordinated with Narrative 4, a non-profit organisation that works to build empathy among young people. I acted as facilitator for the project in MCS. 

Our TY students wrote letters that introduced themselves, included their earliest memories and their hopes for the future. They were matched with students from Middlesboro High School and received their replies in March. Students from Kentucky shared stories from their lives, giving MCS students a view of what life is like across the Atlantic. 

Narrative 4 believe that stories have an innate power to create empathy in society. Stories can shatter stereotypes and break down barriers and end hate and prejudices. 

Narrative 4 Ireland was established in 2016 and is a registered Irish charity. The concept of the 'story exchange' is licensed from the US based Narrative 4 Inc., which was founded by writers & educators in 2012. One of these founding writers was Irish novelist Colum McCann, who is now the Chair of Narrative 4 Ireland. More information is available at www.narrative4.ie.”