Local students earn their STRIPES

A total of 37 young people, aged between 18 and 35 successfully participated in the inaugural EU PEACE III funded Stepping Towards Reconciliation in Positive Engagement (STRIPE) Young Leaders course at Queen’s University.

A certificate presentation ceremony at the Belfast campus was attended by Mike Penning MP, Minister of State for Northern Ireland.

The tudents were provided the opportunity to acquire a knowledge of leadership and management approaches and the opportunity to analyse the concept of leadership and the role that leaders play in society. The course also included a visit to Hondarribia in Northern Spain to study the management of contentious parades.

STRIPE Leadership Development Officer Richard Forsythe explained: “There will be several benefits to those who have participated on the course such as a recognised qualification from Queens University Belfast, students have been provided with the opportunity to analyse the concept of leadership and the role that leaders play in initiating and implementing change and reform. Students have been encouraged to participate and debate examples that benefit Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland.”

Offering his congratulations to all those who participated, Mr Penning said: “I am delighted to see so many young people actively involved in this exciting and important course. They are leaders of the future and the skills and experience they have gained will ensure that they are better equipped to play a positive role within the community in the years ahead. I wish them and the course every success in the future.”