'The same but different'

The Same But Different' flag was presented to Limavady Borough Council last week and was created by members from Drumsurn Community Association, Bovalley Community Association and Roe Valley Residents Association. The art work arose from a project supported by the Good Relations department at Limavady Borough Council. The groups have been working together over the past year on a range of Good Relations projects. Throughout the year young members have engaged in several citizenship workshops that explored the issues of cultural identity. Over the last few months the young people have worked together to design a banner that would be neutral and that could represent all young people in Northern Ireland. They received funding from Limavady Borough Council's Good Relations Programme, The Western Board's Youth Service and the Stronger Together project to get together and share their ideas and design and develop the banner. All of the young people involved made a valuable contribution to the project, with every component included within the picture has a significant meaning to them. The flag /emblem is based on three colours, black for the dark past, white for the peaceful present and silver for the prosperous future. The rainbow signifies youth and joins the two communities together and the doves represent peace. 'Same But Different' is the motto the young people created. The emblems on the pillars represent both traditions. The gate is golden which will never rust and has no lock to show that everyone is welcome. The words within the gates represent what young people aspire to, with the colours of the rainbow going through each word. The young people continue to work together and are actively involved in cross-community citizenship projects that have an impact on important issues.

Speaking on the project, Good Relations Officer, Patricia Cameron says:

"The Drumsurn and Bovalley community Associations have been working together now for some time. More recently this has also extended to include Roe Valley Residents Association. The youth leaders have encouraged the young people to engage in projects that contribute to peace-building and social inclusion, and are vitally important for Good Relations in Northern Ireland."

Patricia continued: "The work they have done over the last year or so has been tremendous and the young people have made lasting friendships. I was delighted to receive the banner on behalf off council. Both the young people and the youth leaders bring new perspectives and are an inspiration for working towards a shared future".

Michelle Friel from Drumsurn Community Association extended hr thanks to the various departments involved in the cross community initiative.She said: "Bovalley and Drumsurn Youth Groups would like to thank the council, the WELB Youth Service, The Stronger Together project and the Drumsurn and Bovalley community associations for their funding contributions to this project. We would also like to give a special thanks to Paul Shields, Youth Volunteer from Bovalley who helped with the design and creation of the picture."