Students ‘Talk Back’ during Community Relations Week

Students from North West Regional College joined forces with the Peace and Reconciliation Group and Derry City Council during the week to share concerns about the development of the region, at the College’s Foyle Building, Strand Road Campus. ‘NWRC Talks Back’ generated debate and discussion surrounding local economic and social issues which are prevalent in the north west, and aimed to create conditions which can allow the need for suggested change to occur.

Chaired by BBC Radio Ulster’s Sarah Brett, the event covered a range of discussion topics including consideration for financial investment, infrastructure, economic stability as well as issues such as community development, sectarianism and good relations. The event panellists consisted of community leaders from the public and private sectors, and all made valued contributions to the agenda topics, they were Dr Duncan Morrow, University of Ulster; Dr Aideen McGinley, Ilex; Des Gartland, Invest NI; and Quentin Oliver, Stratagem.

Audience participants included third-level students from the College who had an opportunity to share their concerns about how the development of the region will affect their future goals after graduation, and participation was encouraged throughout with the use of audience response technology, kindly provided by Rubicon Consulting. Organisers believe that the event provided a safe space for open and honest discussion and debate.

A spokesperson for the College said: “We believe that this was an excellent opportunity for young people who are nearing an entrance into the workforce to engage with influential leaders relating to the development of the North West.”

Michael Doherty, director of the Peace and Reconciliation Group, said: “It is great to see the College and the Peace and Reconciliation Group coming together in the spirit of promoting our city, a city which is paving the way to reconciling our differences. We have always been supportive of dialogue as a way of working through issues and this is one of those events that gives students, teachers, panellists and the public an opportunity to debate and challenge views, in a safe environment.”

Sue Divin, Derry City Council Community Relations Officer said: “Events such as these are essential to an inclusive and informed debate on the opportunities and challenges which we face here in the North West, and Derry City Council Community Relations Service is delighted to support this event. Dialogue involves both listening as well as expressing an opinion and we hope this event will be of equal benefit to all participants - panellists and audience alike.”

This event was funded by the City Council.