Local students from the Northern Regional College have been putting a cross-border peace initiative ‘in the frame’ using their media skills.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Cllr Oliver McMullan, joined Creative Media Practice students from the Northern Regional College to celebrate the work, progress, and promise of the PEACEPLUS programme.

PEACEPLUS is a cross border initiative designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

The event which took place in Council’s Civic Headquarters gave three groups of budding young students the opportunity to create a promotional video for their ‘clients’ the PEACEPLUS Partnership.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, pictured with Elected Members and Creative Media Practice students from Northern Regional College, who created promotional videos for the PEACEPLUS Partnership.

placeholder image — Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, pictured with Elected Members and Creative Media Practice students from Northern Regional College, who created promotional videos for the PEACEPLUS Partnership.

The students created short form videos based on the work of the PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan within the Borough and focussing on themes of Shared Spaces and Peace building. Each group presented their video, with group 3 coming out with the most votes at the end.

Mayor Oliver McMullan said: ‘It was my privilege to join everyone to celebrate the work and progress of the PEACEPLUS programme.

“The videos created were delivered in partnership with Northern Regional College and their inspiring Creative Media students. The productions were of high quality and engaging, while also covering the themes of shared spaces and of course community.

“I want to commend the Northern Regional College for their leadership and their unwavering commitment to ensuring that education is not only a pathway to skills and employment, but also a catalyst for reconciliation, understanding, and positive change. The ability to bring together learners from different backgrounds, abilities, and communities embodies the spirit of PEACEPLUS.

“Thank you to NRC, Council officers and the PEACEPLUS partnership for what was an interesting and engaging day. Congratulations to the group that received the most votes, and to all the students who participated – you were all really impressive.”

Lisa Harris, PEACEPLUS Coordinator added: “This event encouraged the young people involved to think about their role in shaping a positive and connected future for themselves and others within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.”

The event was the first of several similar engagement events planned throughout the PEACEPLUS programme.