Ashfield Boys’ High School in east Belfast has become the first school in Northern Ireland to install a state-of-the-art in-school TV channel.

The Life Channel Schools Network, in partnership with Belfast Education and Library Board, will broadcast government initiatives as well as content produced by teachers and students for school-specific programming.

“The Life Channel is already making a major impact,” said Victoria Councillor Jim Rodgers, BELB chairperson. “I have absolutely no doubt it will gradually grow and grow and will prove to be a resounding success.”

The network operates as a platform for each school to communicate with their students, tackling issues which affect children such as childhood obesity, staying healthy and being safe.

Other partners can add content, including the Irish Football Association, Gaelic Athletic Association, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, to highlight community initiatives.

Patricia Lewsley, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children & Young People (NICCY), said: “The majority of our young people spend most of their time at school and what better way of being able to give them the opportunity to communicate with each other.

“The Life Channel actually gives them the opportunity to be a part of that.”

There are 11 Belfast schools involved in the pilot scheme with many more schools pending.

The Life Channel plans to roll out the network across all schools in Northern Ireland over the next two years.