News

Communities in North Down Show Appetite for a Shared Future

21 June 2011

Local community representatives who participated in an innovative anti-sectarian and racism training programme came together this week (Tuesday 21 June) at the Culloden Hotel to share and reflect on their experiences. 

The programme, entitled The Community Appetite, was co-ordinated by North Down Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal Unit.  More than 700 participants of all ages and abilities took part in their choice of around 45 different training modules that ran from November 2010 to June 2011. 

Speaking at the celebration event, Robin McConnell, a participant on the programme, described his experience on a course of training that took participants on a journey from the early Celts to the present day.  He said: “Studying Irish History won’t provide a solution to today’s problems but what it does do is show us how the problems came about and the recurring themes of fighting and sectarian conflict.”  He posed the question of what legacy is being created now for those who will study our history in 60 or 70 years time and commented: “Today we have the opportunity of creating a peaceful, non-sectarian history that our descendants can look back on.  Wouldn’t it be great if they could say that our generation was the first time in three thousand years they’ve stopped fighting and rioting.”

Farhana Begum, a student at Priory Integrated Collegeand participant on the Youth Leadership Programme also shared her experiences.  She said:  “From the course, I have gained key life skills in teamwork, sharing ideas, public speaking, respecting others opinions, evaluating and believing in myself.” On commenting on what she would imagine a shared future to look like: “I believe a shared future should bring all communities under one roof to discuss and implement ideas for the benefit of all the community.  I have been inspired by the course to work closely with 15 Bengali families and I have taken the lead as the fundraiser for our local mosque.”

The programme was funded and supported by Peace III European Regional Development Fund managed by SEUPB and delivered by the North Down, Ards & Down Peace III Council’s Cluster.

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