Wear Our Courage Exhibition

Exhibitions on display: Saturday 1st – Monday 31st August

A youth-led creative exhibition and advocacy project developed by the Barnardo’s Ubuntu NI Youth Voice Network, inspired by the theme of ‘Courage’ for Refugee Week 2026, this exhibition creates space for lived experiences to be shared through art, identity, and self expression.
Behind every artwork is a story.
Behind every story is a young person who deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.

Telling Our Stories

Each artist has designed a T-shirt reflecting their personal journey of courage. Telling Our Stories Each artist has designed a T-shirt reflecting their personal journey of courage. Stories of resilience, identity, belonging, strength and hope are transformed into powerful visual statements, amplifying unheard voices and challenging perceptions. Together, these pieces celebrate courage in all its forms. Stand With Us and Wear Your Courage! Our hope is that you are inspired by the bravery of the young people who created this exhibition. We invite you to carry that inspiration forward, to find the courage to play an active role in building welcoming, compassionate communities. Together, we can shape a more inclusive future where everyone seeking sanctuary feels safe, supported, and valued. Scan to Hear Their Stories Use your phone camera to scan the exhibition QR code. Then select the number matching the T-shirt to hear what courage means to each young person, in their own voice. The Ubuntu Project Who we are “I am because we are.” Ubuntu is a philosophy rooted in connection, shared humanity, and the belief that we all shape one another’s lives. It calls us to act with compassion, respect, and care. Delivered by Barnardo’s and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Ubuntu works across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Hertfordshire to support children, young people, and families who have arrived seeking international protection. Co-produced with children and families, the service is shaped by the voices and experiences of those it supports. Our work is built on three strands: Youth Voice Network – empowering young people to lead change Practitioners Network – sharing learning and influencing practice Community Development – supporting integration, wellbeing, and belonging Together, we strengthen communities through connection. 

Ubuntu NI Youth Voice Network 

We are a network of young people who have arrived in Northern Ireland seeking sanctuary, raising our voices to shape change. Rooted in rights and guided by the Lundy Model of Participation, we create space for young people to be seen, heard, and taken seriously. We are guided by five core principles that shape everything we do: CONNECTION COMPASSION CONFIDENCE BUILDING CHALLENGING CHANGE MAKING Through shared experiences and youth leadership, we influence decisions, shape policy, and build a more inclusive future. This is more than a network. It is a movement for voices, for change, and for a fairer future for all young people seeking sanctuary Hosting the exhibition The exhibition of t-shirts is displayed on up to 10 coat racks which are flexible according to the space. Each t-shirt is accompanied by a written description with the option to scan a QR code to hear the voices of the young people. Our team will work with you to bring the exhibition to your event or venue. We want the exhibition to reach a wide audience and can be tailored according to unique spaces.