Last week this story appeared, it is a topic which pops up regularly in the MSM.   The difference about this story is the fact that people are now trying to address the topic in a positive way instead of merely lamenting about it.

It is true that for generations there existed a disregard about formal education, due to the fact that many people did not find it a necessity in order to find gainful employment and comfortable life. Plus, there does seem to be a healthy skepticism which is ingrained within “working class” Unionism relating to “educated idiots.”  I think it must be something to do with the Ulster/Scots background.

For instance I did not have to bother studying hard at school as I knew I would be getting a job in the Shipyard if I wanted one. Plus, if I did not want to go into the Shipyard I had the opportunity of joining the Army, Navy or Air Force.  My poor education had nothing to do with going to bad schools or having bad teachers.  The schools I went to were good schools and I had good teachers, I had no real need or incentive to study.

It is a big mistake to assume people from “working class” areas  are stupid just because they have historically found formal education unnecessary  This is my cousin`s son. He is from Upper Charleville st in the Shankill area.  Obviously he is very clever.

I am not sure if the “journalist” who covered this story is particularly interested in this topic or not but I do he know he covered this event which took place in Belfast city center earlier in the year.  I tipped Nuala McKeever off about this event but she did not have the brains to cover it.

Here is an humorous audio track about the Shipyard and it`s folklore.   One of the main features which made the Shipyard an appealing job opportunity was the “Unionist working class” tradition of “Sloping.”  It was our way of waging economic war against the British government! lol

It is a big error to imagine great educational achievement, or great wealth, or great fame are the true ingredients of “success.”   God does not measure “success” in the same way worldy society measures it.   Godliness and contentment are God`s definition of achievement.

Here is the Greater Shankill Partnership website.  Note carefully how it illustrates that “University education” does not always benefit people.  McKeever went to University, it did not do her much good did it? lol lol lol lol

1 Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.