Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Darren Guy, has officially launched the War and Peace Programme, a new cross-community initiative funded by the PEACEPLUS Programme.
The launch event, held at the Newgate Art and Culture Centre, brought together community representatives, schoolchildren, and stakeholders from across the district to mark the beginning of this significant reconciliation project.
With £99,800 in funding, the programme will be managed by the Rural Area Partnership in Derry (RAPID) and will deliver historical research, cross-community dialogue, and visits to significant wartime sites.
The wider project will also include the restoration of four key war memorials located in The Diamond, Sion Mills, Strabane, and Castlederg.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Mayor Guy highlighted the importance of the programme for community relations. He said: “The War and Peace Programme represents a significant investment in our shared future. This initiative creates vital space for people from all backgrounds to engage in honest, respectful conversations about our past.
“What makes this programme particularly special is its intergenerational approach, bringing together our young people with older generations to explore shared histories and foster deeper understanding. The restoration of our war memorials across the district will provide physical spaces for reflection and education, ensuring these important stories continue to be told for generations to come.
“Derry City and Strabane District Council is proud to support this PEACEPLUS-funded initiative, which will make a real difference in communities throughout our district.”
Philip O’Kane, spokesperson for the Rural Area Partnership in Derry (RAPID) added: “RAPID is delighted to be part of the project and to work closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council and North West Cultural Partnership in the delivery of such an important cross-community programme of shared learning and dialogue around such an important era in our history.
“The project gives us the opportunity to explore the history of the world wars locally and in doing so to connect communities and explore personal local stories from that era”.
Brian Dougherty CEO of the North West Cultural Partnership said: “The programme will provide an exciting, innovative, and inclusive opportunity for a broad demographic from across the Council area and Donegal.
“Our colleague David Thompson will be co-leading on the programme, and we look forward to partnering with RAPID and Council over the next year.”
The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s theme 1.1 local co-designed Action Plan.
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