Derry-Donegal groups at forefront of €3m project to build inclusive society in areas experiencing rapid demographic change
A new programme aimed at creating a more inclusive society within communities on both sides of the border experiencing rapid demographic change has been launched.
The Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Funding of €2,925,134.56 was allocated following a joint application by five partners – North West Migrants Forum, Rural Community Network , Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI) , Irish Network Against Racism and Donegal Intercultural Platform clg .
The five partner organisations decided to submit an application to the PEACEPLUS programme following the publication of figures that revealed how 55 per-cent of people of African descent in Ireland have reported experiencing racial discrimination.
The fear of being a victim of a racist attack is almost twice as high (64 per cent) as that amongst Black people in other EU states (35 per cent).
The ICI Programme was developed by drawing on existing learning from organisations working to combat racism, prejudice and hate throughout communities and society on both sides of the border.
The launch event, held at Monaghan Peace Campus, was addressed by a number of high-profile figures, including Minister of State for Rural Affairs Jerry Buttimer TD, First Minister for Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neil and Corporate Services Director of SEUPB Paul Sheridan.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, said they were delighted to be supporting the ICI Programme.
Minister Calleary said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who played a role in advancing the Intercultural Cross-Border Inclusion Programme.
"It brings me great joy that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and The Executive Office in Northern Ireland, will continue to offer support for this outstanding initiative”.
Minister Buttimer added: “This programme embodies the core elements of the Building Positive Relations Investment Area through its broad partnership. It seeks to cultivate positive relationships characterised by respect, where individuals are able to live, learn and engage with one another, free from prejudice, hatred and intolerance.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme will support a shared and inclusive future that everyone, no matter where they come from, feels safe, respected and a part of their communities. The Executive Office is proud to support this work and this £2.5 million investment is a clear statement that we want to tackle racism, sectarianism and discrimination and to support people and communities. I wish everyone involved success with the delivery of this programme.”
Junior Minister Joanne Bunting said: “The Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme is a landmark project that reflects our collective commitment to creating a fair and prosperous future for everyone. Almost 4,500 participants will take part in this project, which is supported by The Executive Office.
"I have no doubt they will lead the way in creating a safe space for conversations about how best to work together to build inclusive communities where everyone is welcome, valued and treated with respect.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “Opportunities for activities between communities are designed to enable and promote discussion and build mutual respect and trust. While we have come such a long way over the past 28 years since the signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, our society still faces significant challenges.
“PEACEPLUS continues to support positive change, empowering communities through initiatives which sustain peace and leave a legacy of friendship, acceptance and understanding.
“The aim of projects such as The Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme is to tackle social segregation and mistrust, facilitating greater inclusion, working together and a shared hope for a better future.”
Lilian Seenoi Barr, spokesperson for the five ICI Programme partners, added: "We are proud to receive this PEACEPLUS grant and to lead this important cross-border initiative with our dedicated partners. At a time when misinformation and fear are creating deep divides, especially targeting minoritised communities, this programme offers a timely and hopeful response.
“The Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme opens up much-needed space for dialogue, even with those who may not yet share our views. We believe in engaging with everyone, especially those who feel uncertain or unheard, because inclusion can only be real when everyone is invited to the table.
“This is more than a project to us, it is an opportunity to build a shared, respectful future across our diverse communities.”
The Committee on the Administration of Justice and Social Change Initiative will act as associate partners during the programme’s three-year lifespan, with support from Ulster University and The John and Pat Hume Foundation.
Through an innovative series of workshops, training sessions, community activities and cultural celebrations, the Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme aims to identify and challenge the structures of racism by educating young people and adults on its causes and consequences.
The programme will also upskill people with lived experience of racism and hate and will work specifically with community leaders, policy makers, teachers and school pupils to address the misunderstandings and prejudices causing division within our society and communities.
The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The total value of PEACEPLUS is €1.14 billion.