Once again we had the very good fortune to be invited to run a focus/pilot group session with a wonderful group of learners. Pauline O’Reilly, Essential Skills tutor, at the Women’s Resource Centre in Newry, had very kindly granted us time and space with her weekly class of eight women. Pauline had spoken to the group about the LEIS project the week prior to our visit so everybody had time to decide whether or not they wished to be involved. Justine, a trainee tutor and Iona, a staff member of the women’s centre also joined us.

Toni and Bonnie introduced the project and talked about the previous focus groups in Dundalk and at QUB. Then people were invited to look through the materials, to choose what interested them, and to make something if they liked. Amidst some initial nervous laughter and curiosity, all participated in the sculpture making. Soon the laughter was no longer nervous as people became involved in their creations and shared their ideas and opinions.

The themes of the sculptures included: power of media and American values, the issue of Time in women’s lives, working within the confines of authoritative pressures, balancing family, work and school.