Young people '˜Breaking the Mould'

Galbally Youth and Community Association are leading the way with Good Relations amongst young people aged 11-14, in their current youth programme, '˜Breaking the Mould.'

Supported by the Executive via the Central Good Relations Fund, the programme has recruited 77 participants – from Galbally, Fivemiletown, Carrickmore and Maghera. They are currently enjoying workshops in identity & good relations, art, music, and sport. Participants from each community are working together with singer/songwriter Jim Mc Kee on their song, ‘Different but the same.’ The message of the song reflects the importance of celebrating community identity, while respecting and working with others. Jim says, ‘The young people are really embracing the programme, and I believe ‘Different but the Same’ will be a song that could go far, as the message behind it is very powerful. It’s great to see young people who want to work together and getting to know each other beyond the limitations of what may otherwise divide them.’

Days out have been enjoyed in Todd’s Leap and We Are Vertigo, and a fun day is planned to take place in Galbally Community Centre on March 4, where all participants will finalise their artistic pieces and learn skills in rugby and Gaelic football, finishing with a friendly game of combined rules. Good Relations Officers Rachel Molloy and Andrea O’Hagan are delighted with how the programme is going so far. Rachel says, “We have been so lucky to recruit willing groups from other communities. We have established strong relationships in Fivemiletown, Maghera and Carrickmore, and are hopeful that we can continue to develop future Good Relations programmes and expand our work further afield.”

A celebration event is planned for March 30 where everyone involved in the programme will come together to showcase the work completed by these enthusiastic young people who have formed friendships which will last beyond ‘Breaking the Mould’.

For more information, contact Andrea or Rachel at Galbally Community Centre on 028 87759390.

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