DERRY Girls actor Saoirse-Monica Jackson has been unveiled as the new schools ambassador for the Children in Crossfire charity.
Ms Jackson, who plays Erin Quinn in the Channel 4 series, will engage with young people in Ireland and internationally to promote the charity's work.
Children in Crossfire was established in 1996 by Derry man, Richard Moore who was blinded as a 10-year-old child when he was struck by a rubber bullet in 1972. Its aim is to eradicate poverty and help children in war zones throughout the world with a particular emphasis on Africa.
"As well as offering celebrity profile in this role, it is clear to me she will also bring great compassion and a strong commitment to giving vulnerable children their best start in life," Mr Moore said.
He added that Ms Jackson would help Children in Crossfire with a new generation to ensure it continued to make a “positive difference” in the coming year.
Ms Jackson said she had been aware of Children in Crossfire’s work since her own childhood. It was always inspiring to follow the positive impact a charity based in her home town was making for so many vulnerable children, she said.
“Whether it is through their healthcare or education projects, we can all be proud of Children in Crossfire’s work giving children the start in life every child deserves. It is especially encouraging to see the partnership approach that focuses on empowering communities; that’s what can really deliver change in the long term,” she said.
