Paddy Harte, chairman of the International Fund for Ireland
The IFI was set up by the British and Irish governments as an independent international organisation in 1986. It delivers a range of peace and reconciliation initiatives across Northern Ireland and the southern border counties. It currently supports a total of 45 projects in Northern Ireland and 15 in the southern border counties.
The latest funding package will be shared across two key programmes. Six projects under the new Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP) will receive £570,341 /€655,892 and two projects with the Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP) will be given £347,424/€399,538.
A number of projects in Derry and across the North West will benefit from funding.
They are:
* Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership will receive a share of £100,000 with partner organisation Donegal Local Sports Partnership for a 15-month project cross border, cross community project in the Donegal and Derry area working to deliver a ‘Community Activity Play Programme’ that will benefit children and adults living in disadvantaged urban residential areas on each side of the border.
* Bogside and Brandywell Initiative, Pink Ladies Cancer Support Group and Life After will get a share of £100,000 for their work in the city along with Donegal partners Killea Community Park and Tidy Towns for a 12-month project in the Derry and Donegal area focussing on cross-border collaboration on a range of health, well-being, safety and environmental issues/awareness-raising campaigns with a view to building sustained cross-border relationships vital to maintaining peace and stability in the current uncertain political climate.
Under the CiPP, The Integrated Education Fund and Ulster University will receive a share of £99,551/€114,484 to deliver work across seven counties in NI and southern border counties with Educate Together.
Politics In Action will be supported with £99,574/€114,510 to deliver a schools-based project in County Donegal and County Armagh.
Through the PYDP EastSide Greenways will receive £167,959 and NI Alternatives Ltd will have £179,465 to work with at risk young people across Belfast.
Under the IFI’s current strategy, there is a strong border focus through the CiPP to build resilience and empower areas to develop strong cross-border partnerships alongside local leadership.
The Programme aims to build cross border connections and provide meaningful benefits for those involved.
Through exploring issues such as the environment, health & well-being, culture and art, these funded projects provide an opportunity to deepen understanding of the past whilst moving towards a shared future.
Projects are encouraged to facilitate difficult conversations in peace building and develop social enterprise and innovation through their outreach.
The Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP) aims to help the most at risk young people in society to improve their confidence and personal resilience, develop a better understanding of culture and identity, and develop practical skills that improve their employment prospects.
IFI Chairman, Paddy Harte says; “The border on the island of Ireland stretches for more than 300 miles and it remains a psychological and physical barrier for many communities.
“These communities suffered tremendously during The Troubles, even today many towns remain deprived with residents leaving to find opportunities elsewhere.
“The IFI has been a strong advocate of building border connections and development since its inception. From the restoration of the Shannon Erne Waterway in 1991 right through to the present day, we support many projects operating in the border region.
“At the moment, we know communities are feeling isolated and facing many challenges at a political, social and economic level.
“The IFI has a unique role to play now to bridge the divides and encourage outreach within border communities especially.
“Through our experience, we know that with the right support on the ground, we can ensure the connections painstakingly built up across borders and across communities are protected and nurtured.
“Projects receiving this funding are instrumental in developing positive, local leadership. Our support gives communities and individuals the tools and skills they need to prosper and grow to create a more inclusive, shared society for all.”
The funding was announced at the IFI’s recent Board meeting in Rathmullan, Co.Donegal.
The Chairman took the opportunity to thank international donors to the Fund – the British and Irish Governments as well as the Government of the United States of America. The Chair also thanked the Fund’s international observers, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – for their continued support.
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