06/04/2004

Derry City Council highlight community relations work

As part of Community Relations Week (April 2-8), Derry City Council has highlighted some of the successes of cross-community work benefiting community relations.

One scheme, The Playhouse, through its Early Years Arts Project, has worked to address the issues of sectarianism in children and encouraged children from Protestant and Catholic nurseries to meet for drama, dance and arts projects in an environment promoting cross-community contact and cultural diversity.

Sharon Moran, Education Officer at the Playhouse, said: “The impact of the project on the children has been beneficial, giving them the opportunity to interact with each other in a safe and neutral environment whilst exploring cultural differences.”

The Creggan Divert project received funding for its work addressing the legacy of conflict. Ten young people from the area took part in workshops on cultural diversity issues. Workshops involving the Peace and Reconciliation group challenged stereotypes of ethnic communities.

Project Manager of Creggan Country Park, Gerry Quinn, said: "Derry City Council’s assistance towards the Divert project has been a great success in working with young people, promoting positive behaviour and better relations at community level."

Destined Ltd’s community relations project called ‘Us and Them’ examined sectarianism and bigotry and how they compare with the discrimination faced by people with learning disabilities. Young people from the Unionist and Nationalist communities took part in workshops and group discussions in a project that also provided training for people with learning disabilities.

Another project, The Other Side, a cross-community summer scheme was noted as having a significant impact on reducing violence in the Fountain interface area during the summer.

Community Relations Officer for Derry City Council, Sue Gallagher, said the programmes aimed to raise awareness of the rich cultural diversity within the Derry City Council area.

Sue is keen to hear from groups already involved in Community Relations work or who would be interested in becoming more involved in Community Relations projects. She can be contacted on 028 7134 5160.

The Council’s Community Relations programme works to co-ordinate, encourage and promote positive Community Relations practice and can assist with providing resources for this work.

(SP)

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