SistersIN 2026

2026 marks the third successful year of the Sisters In project at St. Dominic’s, and it continues to go from strength to strength. What began as a small but powerful initiative with just ten students in its first year has now grown to include twenty students, all of whom have created inspiring projects that benefit not only our school community but the wider community beyond our gates.

Sisters In is a leadership and mentoring programme designed to empower young women by connecting them with female role models in leadership. The core aim of the project is to encourage confidence, ambition and service, while helping students to recognise their own gifts and the positive impact they can have on others. Through mentoring, real-world experiences and student-led projects, Sisters In equips pupils with invaluable life and leadership skills.

This year’s programme began with a coffee morning back in October that brought together students and their mentors, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the year ahead. Our mentors are truly remarkable women in leadership, coming from a wide range of professions and industries. From the very beginning, strong relationships were formed, and throughout the year the twenty students have worked closely alongside their mentors, learning from their experiences, guidance and encouragement. The skills gained, from communication and confidence to organisation and leadership, have been invaluable.

A highlight of this year was the job shadow day, where students had the opportunity to spend time with their mentors in their workplaces. This experience gave the girls a real insight into professional life and allowed them to develop practical skills while seeing first-hand what leadership looks like in action.

The range of student-led projects this year has been outstanding. Students established and ran a gymnastics club, drama club, debating club, art club and science projects, while others led ICT initiatives and a media and film club. These projects have enriched school life and provided opportunities for many students to get involved in new and exciting activities.

Beyond school, several students worked closely with the Welcome Centre in Belfast. Through raising awareness and fundraising, these girls have made a genuine and meaningful difference, supporting an organisation that serves the wider community and living out the values of service and compassion at the heart of St. Dominic’s.