Promoting peace and a united community in city

OVER forty events are taking place in Londonderry this Community Relations Week, which started on Saturday and runs until May 1, 2010.

The idea is to challenge racism and sectarianism and promote peace building, cross community and cultural diversity. This year the theme being taken locally is “Your Space Or Mine?”

Events are organized by the council and by various community and voluntary sector organizations locally.

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Mayor, Paul Fleming said he fully endorsed positive engagement between all communities in the city that would promote good relations.

Said the Mayor: “I will be actively encouraging people to support the ‘Your Space Or Mine?’ campaign through signing the online petition or by coming along to some of the many events that have been organised.”

He added: “Shared and inclusive public space is a key issue in the city and district - particularly with the Guildhall Square, Peace Bridge and Ebrington Site developments.

“The Council is delighted to be leading on Community Relations Week and believe it is important in encouraging the public to challenge sectarianism and racism and show their support for diversity and cross community engagement.”

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Angela Askin, Community Relations Officer with Derry City Council said the many events organised in the city council area will be enjoyable for residents and visitors alike but more importantly will help to raise awareness of some of the issues facing local communities and some of the solutions that are in place to combat them.

“It’s an exciting week in the city and we are delighted to be able to offer a range of innovative events that highlight the real differences that organizations across the City Council area are making to society and promoting good relations,” she commented.

“I would encourage everyone to take five minutes to go on line and support the petition which says ‘I believe that all public places in this City and District should be places which welcome people enthusiastically regardless of their background and identity. I will do what I can, as an individual, to play my part in making this come true and I ask all local leaders to play their part too.’”

The Shared City Project is one of the organizations heavily involved in organizing events for community relations week. Jeanette Warke said the event provided her with a unique forum to bring the work of the Shared City Project to a wider audience.

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The highlights of community relations week include a creative arts and music workshop at the Waterside Theatre, a multi cultural soccer extravaganza, a radio discussion workshop, a taster session on a four day accredited training course looking at hard hitting issues such as justice, human rights, revenge and forgiveness, as well as free film screenings at the Nerve Centre, a Plantation of Ulster exhibition, free tours of the Tower Museum and the Apprentice Boys Hall, a table quiz and tea dance to name but a few.

Derry City Council’s Community Relations Week is organised with funding from the District Council’s Community Relations Programme (CRU, OFMDFM).

Tony McCusker, Chairman of the Community Relations Council which devised and co-ordinates Community Relations Week every year says: “This week has become a vital means by which the work of those in the community relations sector is communicated to, and recognised, by a wider audience. It is only one week in the year, but it highlights the important work of this sector that takes place throughout the year.”

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