300 pupils to speak out against hate

The Award event is the culmination of pupil’s participation in a series of workshops, delivered free to schools by trained facilitators. The face to face sessions offer pupils the chance to meet representatives from different communities which allow them to interact and communicate directly together in an open forum in an effort to challenge prejudice and stereotypes.

Groups that took part included the Apprentice Boys of Derry Association, the Rainbow Project, migrant workers, PSNI, organisations representing Black and Minority Ethnic groups, the GAA, interface community workers, former political prisoners and local church leaders.

Mayor Kevin Campbell, said: “The ‘Face On’ award event clearly has a positive impact on the attitudes and actions of the young students involved.

“Teenagers can be extremely positive influencers in their local communities and social circles so it is great to see youth engaging actively as positive citizens.

“They are the ones that we need to constantly encourage and as we carry the mantle for City of Culture now more than ever is the time to promote the need and lasting legacy for a shared future for this region.

“It will give me great pleasure on behalf of Derry City Council in association with all those involved to recognise the achievement and dedication of these pupils.”

Carol Stewart, Community Relations Officer at Derry City Council said: “Again this year, I am more than delighted with the enthusiasm and positive feedback from both the pupils and schools.

“In what is one of the largest initiatives organised by Derry City Council in association with the secondary schools, the year 10 pupils will be attending the event to present, share and celebrate their learning and achievements and be awarded accordingly.

“The day as always promised to be filled with fun, drama, art, music and multi- media visuals of the students work.”Each participating school will deliver individual presentations to their peers on the day and the celebration will include ‘Beyond Skin’ a multi-cultural band providing an interactive music and drumming experience to celebrate the achievement of the pupils.”