JUNE 2012 FUND

The newsletter of the International Fund for Ireland News www.internationalfundforireland.com International Fund for Ireland – 6 – celebrates 25 years of peace building A special event in February marked the 25th anniversary of the International Fund for Ireland’s pioneering peace building work across the island of Ireland.

The Belfast event was a celebration of the Fund’s achievements since its inception in 1986 and provided an opportunity to acknowledge those that have contributed to and supported the Fund’s success. The event also provided an opportunity to look forward to the important work that remains to be done.

Former Chairman, Dr Denis Rooney CBE, was joined at the event by more than 250 representatives of community groups from across the island that have worked, and continue to work, on the ground for peace and reconciliation and a better future for all.

Speaking at the event, Dr Rooney said: "When the Fund first came into existence there was no blue-print for how to proceed and there was no perfect model from elsewhere in the world to copy. Those who led and staffed the Fund in the early years quickly established a clear strategy and operational framework which has become a template and an example for other regions across the globe seeking to recover and re-build from conflict.”

Dr Rooney thanked the British and for Ireland continues to be a major ABOVE: Pictured at the special event to mark Irish governments for their foresight force for building lasting peace on the International Fund for Ireland’s 25th in establishing the Fund. He also the island of Ireland. Over the years anniversary of pioneering peace building thanked the Fund’s donors – the United the Fund has overcome and helped work across the island of Ireland: Dr Denis States of America, the European to break down many barriers. This Rooney CBE, former Chairman of the Union, Canada, Australia, and New work is not yet finished, as our society International Fund for Ireland; with Jean continues to be haunted by its past. Brown and Reneé Crawford of Suffolk & Zealand – for their political and financial Lenadoon Interface Group (SLIG), one of Promoting reconciliation, peace support and encouragement. hundreds of community groups that have building and creating a truly shared received support from the Fund in the last He said: "The International Fund future is a long-term process.” 25 years.

Donors to the fund are:

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CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD It is a pleasure to write my first foreword for Fund News in my new position as Chairman of the Fund. It is an honour to accept this prestigious role and to continue working closely with my fellow Board Members.

Since the last edition of Fund News, we have service to the International Fund for Ireland. example of the efforts that are underway to welcomed three new additions to the Board: In February we celebrated the 25th anniversary reduce physical and mental barriers that Ms Dorothy Clarke; Mrs Siobhan Fitzpatrick of the Fund’s pioneering peace building work prevent inclusivity and reconciliation. and Mr Billy Gamble. They join us at an exciting across the island of Ireland. We were fortunate The programme is designed to be the first stage and important phase in the Fund’s history and to be joined at the celebration event by many in a process leading to the physical removal of we welcome their valuable input to our work. of the people and organisations that have barriers. It aims to deliver a range of confidence contributed to the enormous success of the and relationship building initiatives within and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute Fund since its inception in 1986 – the real between interface communities to help them to my predecessor, Dr Denis Rooney CBE, for success of the Fund is its ability to empower arrive at a position where residents feel it is safe his leadership; particularly in terms of setting local communities to deliver meaningful and appropriate for peace walls to come down. a very clear strategic direction for the Fund. Dr peace building and reconciliation initiatives Rooney was instrumental in the development of within and between local communities. The This type of ground-breaking work is only the Fund’s Sharing this Space Strategy which event also served as an opportunity to look possible because of the support from included many very significant interventions, forward to the challenges that remain and our overseas donors and it has been such as: the Sharing in Education Programme; many of the stories in this edition highlight encouraging for us to welcome a number the Shared Neighbourhood Programme; and how they are being, and will be, tackled. of international visitors in recent months to the Integrating Community Organisations see the efforts underway. The Fund is in a Programme. Dr Rooney was also at the forefront The Fund continues to make great strides new period of its history and we thank you of the Fund’s most recent intervention in towards the goal of a more shared and for continuing on the journey with us. relation to peace walls in Northern Ireland. peaceful society. However, we recognise we all have some way to go before the divisions I would also like to take this opportunity to within our society are fully overcome. pay tribute to outgoing Board Members Mrs Anne Henderson and Ms Mary Southwell The Peace Walls Programme, which Dr Adrian Johnston for their enthusiasm, energy and tireless has secured £2m funding, is an exciting chairman Fund commits £3.1m / 13.8m towards peace building projects In February the International Fund for Ireland confirmed further investments that will support reconciliation and integration projects that are working towards achieving a shared and sustainable future for all on the island of Ireland.

The latest funding package, which will provide £1.9million / 12.3million community Understanding Our Space amounts to £3.1million /13.8million, towards more than a dozen projects, Celebrating Diversity Project, delivered includes specific allocations to a number many of which are already contributing by the Focus on Family Nurturing & of key programmes and projects as to lasting community development and Development Centre in Coleraine in follows: bringing about real and positive change association with Creavagh Women’s within and between communities. Group in Londonderry/. This • The Fund’s Sharing in Education Beneficiaries include the Louth Leader expansion will bring the project two Programme will receive a further Beyond Beliefs Project which will new partners - FAB Femme Women’s £763,127 / 1915,752 to support the receive £72,068 / 186,482 towards the Group from Ballymoney and St Johnston expansion of three existing and highly cost of extending the cross-border, Women’s Group. successful projects: Fermanagh cross-community project running in Trust Shared Education Programme the Cox’s Demesne and Muirhevnamor • £101,442 / 1121,730 towards the Project; North Eastern Education and estates in Dundalk, in partnership with Fund’s Leaving a Legacy Programme. Library Board Primary Integrating the Vine Centre in Belfast. The funding The additional funding will help Youth Enriching Education Project; and Spirit will enable the project to reach out to a Initiatives to develop a new youth facility of Enniskillen Trust Sharing Education further 160 participants, over two further in Poleglass on the border between Together Project. By investing further in cycles of IT training and six additional West Belfast and Lisburn, enabling the established and successful projects the cross-border, cross-community visits. organisation to move to permanent fit- Fund hopes to consolidate their success for-purpose premises. in shared education and help make them • The Fund’s Integrating Community sustainable beyond the available funding. Organisations Programme will provide Full details of this latest funding package £379,342 / 1455,210 towards a range are available at the International Fund • The Fund’s Community Based Economic of projects including £57,440 / 168,928 for Ireland website: and Social Regeneration Programme towards the expansion of the cross- www.internationalfundforireland.com

– 2 – Youth Work in Lurgan Sets the Agenda for Change In a pioneering move, youth work providers are coming together, some for the first time, to develop a strategic approach to community relations and leadership development which has the potential to radically change the future of Lurgan.

developed in partnership with Craigavon throughout the Island of Ireland to learn, Borough Council and the Southern work and live together in a shared future. Education and Library Board Youth Service. “The town of Lurgan has suffered In an unprecedented move, the project will disproportionately during the decades consult on a shared agenda for the town of conflict and civil unrest in Northern by bringing together key stakeholders Ireland with the result that neighbours across education, politics, and business have lived side by side for generations as well as the community and voluntary in fear, isolation and violence. This sector to create the conditions for positive project is a critical step towards bringing and meaningful change. It will collectively these communities together, to work encourage and facilitate dialogue together to create the conditions and contact between the groups and for reconciliation and build a better begin the process of building trust and future which can be truly shared.” understanding. As part of the project, a The new project marks a milestone team of young ambassadors aged 15- in peace-building. Youth workers and 19 have been recruited from both sides left: Lurgan Town Project puts Young young people will work collaboratively of the community to positively promote People on the Map. Pictured at the to build relationships of trust and community relations in the town. launch of the Lurgan Town Project (from confidence across the divided town left): Anne Henderson, former Board so that the barriers to real and Speaking at the launch of the project, Anne Member of the International Fund for meaningful change can be unlocked. Henderson, former Board Member of the Ireland; Professor Tony , Pro International Fund for Ireland, said: “The Vice Chancellor of Queen’s University Lurgan Town Project is a new two-year Belfast; and Gerard Doran, Head of International Fund for Ireland remains Youth Services, Southern Education cross-community project, funded by the focused on creating innovative ways to and Library Board. Also pictured is International Fund for Ireland’s Community promote peace building and reconciliation Kirsty Harbinson, one of the Young Bridges Programme. The project has been and help Unionists and Nationalists Ambassadors of the Lurgan Town Project. Twin Traditions Initiative gets official launch in Carrick-on-Shannon A new two-year reconciliation project devised by the Carrick-on-Shannon Heritage Group received its official launch in March at the St. George’s Heritage and Visitors Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon.

The Twin Traditions Initiative as it has Delivering the opening address at the been titled, has been timed to coincide launch, Dr Adrian Johnston, the newly with the Carrick400 celebrations taking appointed Chairman of the International place over the next two years and aims to Fund for Ireland, said: “We are very excited advance trust and understanding between about the plans in place for the Twin the people across both communities in the Traditions Initiative. As a key component border areas of Leitrim and Fermanagh. of the overall Carrick400 celebrations, the project will give Carrick-on-Shannon The project will provide opportunities Heritage Group an opportunity to share the Shannon Heritage Group, said: “The Twin for both communities to gain insights work they have been doing on a cross- Traditions Initiative complements the into Carrick-on-Shannon’s shared community basis to a much wider audience group’s aim of preserving and restoring 400 year history and heritage, and ensure the maximum involvement of heritage and the cultural fabric for local build new relationships and all sections of the community. The Twin people, tourists and future generations." networks and learn new skills. Traditions Initiative has the potential to make real and sustainable impacts on ABOVE: Launching the Twin Traditions Funding of 1170,090 has been provided both communities by acknowledging Initiative are: Mary Dolan, Secretary, by the International Fund for Ireland, the past through an exploration of a Carrick-on-Shannon Heritage Group; under its Community Based Economic shared history and celebrating the Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman of and Social Regeneration Programme contemporary Leitrim where diversity the International Fund for Ireland; Catherine Ryan, Development (CBESR). Additional funding was also is encouraged and appreciated.” Officer for the International Fund provided by Leitrim County Council, for Ireland; and Sheilagh McArdle, Leitrim County Development Board, Speaking at the launch event, John Twin Traditions Initiative, Carrick- and Fermanagh District Council. Bredin, Chairperson of Carrick-on- on-Shannon Heritage Group.

– 3 – New media community relations project rolled out in schools across Northern Ireland The International Fund for Ireland has launched an innovative project which aims to promote understanding and reconciliation with school children across Northern Ireland through the use of media.

The Headliners Project, Distinctive Voices place at St Columba’s Primary promote reconciliation by providing Collective Choices, which will run until School, Londonderry/Derry. valuable opportunities for meaningful September 2013, will work with pupils contact and discussion among young aged 8-19. The project will use media, Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman of the people in each community. Together including creative and interactive activities International Fund for Ireland, said: “The students will use digital, audio and video and discussions to explore issues of Distinctive Voices Collective Choices Project equipment, as a journalist would, to tackle sectarianism, to challenge pre-conceptions is the latest initiative to be launched as part issues of sectarianism and conflict.” of other communities and to work towards of our Sharing in Education Programme. the goal of a shared vision and future. “Throughout the project, young people Funded by the International Fund for will be encouraged to interview each ABOVE LEFT: Pictured at the launch Ireland with financial assistance of other and produce stories examining of the Headliners Project: Dr £230,100 through its Sharing in Education common ground, looking at their own Adrian Johnston, Chairman of the Programme, the project will operate in communities and prejudices as well as International Fund for Ireland; Dungannon, Londonderry/Derry, Belfast, how they can make a positive impact on Rachel Holmes from St Columba's Strabane, Castlederg, and Limavady. division, conflict and reconciliation. Primary School; and Ben Ferguson from Newbuildings Primary The project launch in March took “The project will support teachers to School, Londonderry/Derry. Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning Project Launched at Major Conference A new project which will increase the skills and confidence levels of all post-primary school teachers who are teaching in shared classrooms was launched in March at a conference in Armagh.

The International Fund for Ireland’s Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning To date over £16m has been invested in Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning Project is the latest in a series of ground the SiEP which was launched in 2008. Project is a three-year initiative which breaking initiatives to be launched as part of is being managed by the Northern our wider Sharing in Education Programme. Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and is designed to help teachers “The Fund along with the Northern create an inclusive environment in Ireland Council for Integrated Education increasingly diverse classrooms. and others have long been exponents of the virtues of sharing education – not Over the next three years, NICIE will provide just for the educational benefits that training and support for schools and can be derived from such a system of teachers, to equip them to work creatively, educating our young people together, imaginatively and sensitively in the shared but also for the wider societal benefits it classrooms of today and in the future. can bring in helping us to create a truly shared society in Northern Ireland. The conference launch was attended by more than 100 delegates from across the "Sharing education can bring its own ABOVE: Pictured at the launch of the Sharing educational sector and heard keynote unique set of challenges – ensuring all Classrooms: Deepening Learning Project: speeches from David Graham OBE, pupils involved in the sharing feel welcome, Lydia Bell (aged 12) and Ben Thompson Board Member of the International Fund ensuring that where pupils from different (aged 12) from Brownlow Integrated for Ireland; Noreen Campbell, Chief schools and different traditions are brought College with (from left) Mike Nesbitt, MLA Executive, Northern Ireland Council together there is real mixing taking place.” Deputy the then Deputy Chairperson of the for Integrated Education; and Mr Mike Committee for Education; Bernie Kells, Nesbitt MLA, the then Deputy Chairperson The Fund’s Sharing in Education Project Manager, Sharing Classrooms: of the Committee for Education. Programme (SiEP) seeks to break down Deepening Learning Project; Noreen Campbell, Chief Executive NI Council for barriers from Northern Ireland’s historic Integrated Education; and David Graham David Graham OBE, Board Member of the conflict by providing a range of opportunities OBE, Board Member of the International International Fund for Ireland, said: “The for young people to learn and work together. Fund for Ireland.

– 4 – Fund news

Official opening of state-of-the-art Shared Future Centre brings Regeneration to Waterside A major state-of-the-art cross-community facility designed to promote reconciliation was officially opened in March at Cityview Park, Londonderry/Derry. The three-story Shared Future Centre come together in a shared space which will become a unifying force, a physical is located near the interface between nurtures respect, encourages openness structure that yields social and economic the mainly Nationalist Top of the Hill and breaks down physical and mental benefits for the local community." community and the mainly Unionist Irish barriers so that they can move forward Street community and will give access with shared purpose and understanding. to training services and employment opportunities to both communities “It brings together the key components to engender physical and economic of employment, job creation and cross- regeneration in the area. community collaboration. These are three very important ingredients in the £602,420 funding for the project was peace making process and, in the long- provided by the International Fund for term, will ensure sustainability. Only then Ireland with an additional £1m coming will we see real and lasting change in from the Waterside Development Trust. the community that will benefit both the current and future generations." The Centre already enjoys 80% occupancy with a diverse range of Speaking at the official opening The above: Maurice Devenney tenants including: Right Reverend Dr , and Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman, Good Relations and Sports Development retired Bishop of International Fund for Ireland, cut the departments; Foyle Downs Syndrome Derry and Raphoe and Chairman of the tape to officially open the new Shared Trust; Waterside Neighbourhood Derry Inner City Trust, said: “We see Future Centre in Londonderry/Derry. Renewal Partnership; and Customised the Peace Bridge, the greatest physical Included, from left, are: Right Rev Dr James Mehaffey, retired Church of Training Services. change the City has seen in decades. It Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe is more, much more than just a bridge. and Chairman, Inner City Trust; Junior Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman of the Like this building, it is shared space, Ministers Martina Anderson MLA International Fund for Ireland, said: bringing people together, narrowing the and Jonathan Bell MLA; Pat Walsh, "The Fund’s investment is designed to divide that has traditionally been Us and Chairman, Waterside Development Trust; provide the opportunity for people to Them. It is my hope that this Centre and Helen Quigley, Derry Inner City Trust.

Reconciliation Through the Riverine Project The Reconciliation Through the Riverine Project had its official launch in April at an event jointly hosted by Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council and the Riverine Forum in the Alley Theatre, Strabane.

The project, strands two and three of “This major project to develop a shared youth and community participation in which are funded by the International space for the people of Strabane and the project so that it truly becomes a Fund for Ireland, seeks to address the Lifford, on a site that has been for so long shared space where all of the people feel impact of the conflict on the Strabane/ associated with division, will be a lasting a sense of ownership and belonging.” Lifford area and its hinterlands by legacy to the peace process and, in a way, regenerating the border riverside area. a tribute to all those who have worked ABOVE LEFT: Winston Patterson, Board over the years to bring us to this stage. Member of the International Fund for Speaking at the launch event Mr Ireland, and Paddy Harte at the launch of Winston Patterson, Board Member of "The Fund is delighted to be involved in the the Reconciliation Through the Riverine the International Fund for Ireland, said: project by providing 11 million towards Project in the Alley Theatre.

– 5 – NewsFUND International Fund for Ireland announces £2m Peace Walls Programme

– 6 –

In January, the International Fund for Ireland announced a £2m programme directed towards interface communities to help bring about the conditions that would allow for the removal of peace walls and barriers in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland.

The Peace Walls Programme is designed 1994 ceasefires, the number of barriers will help create dialogue, build trust and to be the first stage in a process leading has grown. However, many community confidence and develop greater cross- to the physical removal of barriers. It groups, some with the support of the community cohesion with a view to aims to deliver a range of confidence and Fund, are doing courageous work communities reaching agreement that it relationship building initiatives within across interfaces and in the past is time to start removing the barriers. and between interface communities to few years their conversations have help them arrive at a position where moved towards when, rather than Dr Rooney said that while there was residents feel it is safe and appropriate if, the barriers will come down. a growing momentum and desire to for peace walls to come down. move to a position where physical “The physical removal of these barriers barriers could be removed, it was clear Dr Denis Rooney CBE, former Chairman is a matter for the Department of that local communities need help – of the International Fund for Ireland, Justice and other statutory bodies but particularly funding and local political said: “There are some 88 peace walls/ the Fund believes that its Peace Walls leadership – to remove the mental barriers, mainly in Belfast, stretching Programme, which is complementary barriers which will ultimately lead to over 21 kilometres in total. Since the to other initiatives that are underway, the removal of physical barriers. New Board appointed to the International Fund for Ireland Dr Adrian Johnston was appointed Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland on 1 March 2012.

With effect from 1 March 2012 Dr previously worked in Health and Social The full Board of the International Johnston, who was first appointed Services; and Mr Billy Gamble who is Fund for Ireland is: to the Board on 1 March 2009, was a former senior civil servant who was • Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman joined by three new Board Members: responsible for developing a number of • ms Rose-Mary Farrell Ms Dorothy Clarke who is a graduate key government policies in community • mr David Graham OBE of NUI Galway and is a former CEO relations. Ms Rose-Mary Farrell, Mr • mr Winston Patterson of Leitrim County Enterprise Board; David Graham OBE, and Mr Winston • ms Dorothy Clarke Mrs Siobhan Fitzpatrick who is the Patterson will continue as Board • mrs Siobhan Fitzpatrick Chief Executive of Early Years and Members for a second three-year term. • mr Billy Gamble

The International Fund for Ireland is an independent international organisation established by the British and Irish Governments in 1986 with the objectives of promoting economic and social advance and of encouraging contact, dialogue and reconciliation between Unionists and Nationalists throughout Ireland. Donors to the Fund are the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. PO Box 2000 Belfast BT4 1WD / PO Box 2000 Dublin 2 – 6 – www.internationalfundforireland.com