Members of the public Ann McElchar and her daughters Nanette and Michelle, with Derry City Council’s Community Relations officers Helena Kearney (second from right) and Michaela Devine (left), by their stand in the Foyleside Shopping Centre, promoting Community Relations Week (Photo: Maurice Thompson)
An impressive programme of events has been organised to herald Community Relations Week in Derry, exploring the concept of identity and celebrating the city’s global diversity.
With dozens of events taking place across the city from Monday to Sunday, 16-22 June next, Derry City Council’s Community Relations team have put together one of the most interesting, thought-provoking programmes to date.
Derry Mayor Councillor Brenda Stevenson, with Derry City Council’s Community Relations officers Helena Kearney and Michaela Devine, by their stand in the Foyleside Shopping Centre, promoting the Community Relations Week. (Photo: Maurice Thompson)
For those wishing to expand their knowledge, meet new people and share perspectives, there will be a series of illuminating talks and themed discussions, workshops and training opportunities, exhibitions, bus trips, walking tours and screenings as part of 2014’s programme.
In a city boasting over 50 nationalities, this annual event challenges sectarianism and racism, while celebrating diversity in all its forms.
Two important initiatives will be launched – the new Black and Minority Ethnic Strategic Forum and the “Kabalikat” Filipino Community, and local schoolchildren can also enhance their own understanding of global cultures and diversity through a range of various schools programmes on offer too.
The week will culminate in the ‘Ubuntu Global Festival’, taking place on Sunday 22nd June as part of the Legenderry Maritime festival.
The festival aims to promote awareness of our own cultural diversity and is sure to have the riverfront buzzing with multi-cultural delights, free arts and crafts, music, dance, storytelling and much more.
Sue Divin, Community Relations Officer with Derry City Council, said with Derry currently home to over 50 nationalities, the programme of events was a celebration of “that cultural diversity.”
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