PROJECTS

R ShaRd FutR

Young People celebrate and share their contribution to building a more peaceful and inclusive society

On Wednesday 2nd May 2007 the St Patrick’s Trian Complex Armagh was transformed from an interpretive centre commemorating our past to a venue celebrating our possibilities with groups of young people from all over Northern Ireland.

The event entitled R ShaRd FutR was recognition of the valuable and innovative contribution that young people and their Voluntary Youth Organisations make towards building a shared and peaceful future for Northern Ireland. As one of a series of events marking Community Relations Week 2007, the evening was hosted by the Youth Council for Northern Ireland and led by young people. Our compere for the evening Nuala McKeever shared her own experiences and thoughts on the changes taking place.

Targeted at young people aged 15-25, the evening provided an opportunity for participants to learn about and share the varied ways they are involved in good relations work as well as meet with other young people from across Northern Ireland. The evening’s highlights included circus displays, performance theatre, creative workshops and the use of puppetry to explore the notion of living with difference. 

Impressed by the efforts of the young people leading the celebrations, Cathy Galway from The Department of Education for Northern Ireland commented that “The event was well attended and the speakers were enthusiastic and informative. The workshops gave us an opportunity to see first hand some of the  issues young people are tackling through the EDI programme, and demonstrated the commitment of the sector to promoting good relations.” Patricia Lewsley, The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young, reflected that what stood out for her most was “the wonderful contribution that the young people made.  The workshops were excellent and were adeptly facilitated by them”.

Feedback has been very positive – with delegates and young people having enjoyed a relaxed and creative evening of laughter, humour and discussion around contentious and difficult issues.

The Chief Executive of the Youth Council for Northern Ireland, David Guilfoyle said, “The Youth Council works with Regional Voluntary Organisations to promote good relations and has provided funding and advice to stimulate new ideas and innovative programmes for over 15 years. R ShaRd FutR is a reflection of young people’s willingness to actively participate within their local communities and across the province to building a shared and positive future for everyone who calls Northern Ireland home.”

If you would like more information about the R ShaRd FutR celebration, please contact Norma Rea at Youth Council for Northern Ireland. Email: nrea@ycni.org Tel: 028 9064 3882

The Youth Council for Northern Ireland would like to acknowledge Paul Gerrard Photography for his professional support throughout the evening. 

R ShaRd FutR Photos

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