A Gofundme page has been set up to help Portadown Irish language pre-school Naíscoil na Banna
A community has rallied to support an Irish language pre-school following a break-in at the weekend.
An investigation has been launched after the door of a classroom at Naíscoil na Banna in Portadown was forced open with cash and electronics being taken from inside.
The burglary at the Garvaghy Road school is believed to have taken place overnight from Sunday, November 16, to Monday, November 17, with it saying on social media that extensive damage has been caused to the door of the classroom.
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It said: “We are heartbroken to share that our preschool was broken into over the weekend, causing extensive damage to our front doors and frame, along with taking vital electronic devices etc. As many of you know, we are a charity-run Irish-medium preschool, depending heavily on fundraising and community support to keep our doors open and to continue providing early-years Irish language education in Portadown.
“Incidents like this are not only upsetting but place huge pressure on our small organisation. The damage and loss are a major setback for us at a time when Irish-language preschools already face ongoing challenges and underfunding.
“But in the middle of all this, we want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude. Since the news broke, so many of you in our community have reached out with messages of support, offers of help, and kind words. Your generosity and solidarity have touched us beyond words.
“What a community we have. We feel incredibly supported, and it reminds us why we do what we do every single day.”
A Gofundme page has been launched by Elaine Mcmeekin in order to help the school following the incident, with over £5,000 being raised in a couple of days.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are investigating a burglary at a pre-school on Garvaghy Road in Portadown which was reported on Monday 17th November, having been believed to have taken place overnight. “It’s understood that the door to a classroom was forced, and quantity of electronics and a sum of cash were taken. “Anyone with information regarding this crime can contact police on 101, quoting reference 290 17/11/25 or submit information online via our website. “The Crimestoppers charity can also be contacted on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”
If you would like to support the fundraiser in aid of Naíscoil na Banna please follow this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-fundraiser-for-naiscoil-na-banna
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