Southern Cluster Peace III Funding

Speedwell’s Respecting Diversity Programme

 Speedwell has received funding from the Southern PEACE III Cluster (Armagh, Craigavon, Banbridge and Newry and Mourne councils), under the European Union’s PEACE III Programme, to deliver a cross-community respecting diversity project to 7 primary schools partnerships. This programme involved children aged between 4-8 years old, teachers, parents with whole school communities as beneficiaries.

 Speedwell delivered a range of programmes aimed at giving children the opportunity to explore and experience a range of different cultural practices, events and symbols and to appreciate and respect difference and cultural diversity. Using puppets and an interactive media presentation children explore diversity within the community regarding disability, multiculturalism, sectarianism, bullying etc. Children also participated in a craft activity where they explored race through designing different faces of people from a variety of cultures.

 This project gave children the opportunity to visit each others schools, work in mixed groups and participate in activities designed to raise their awareness about diversity. Outcomes included raising children’s self-esteem, building community spirit and increasing social interaction while building an understanding of diversity within local communities and respect for different traditions.

 The schools that are taking part in this project are Banbridge IPS, Edenderry PS and St Patricks PS, Aghagallon; St James and Joseph’s PS, Poyntzpass PS, Drumsallan PS and Our Lady’s PS; Derryhale PS and St Oliver Plunkett’s PS; St Mary’s PS and Birches PS; St John’s PS, and Seagoe PS.

 This project is part-funded through the EU’s PEACE III Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU structural funds Programmes PEACE III and INTERREG IVA designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society. The programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG IVA, Western Scotland.
 
The PEACE III Programme is worth €333 million and is aimed primarily at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promoting reconciliation. It focuses on helping Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland to reconcile communities and contribute towards a shared society.
 
For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu