LOCAL groups and organisations in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area will showcase their good relations initiatives as part of this year’s virtual celebrations.
Good Relations Week 2020 will also mark the 30th anniversary of the Community Relations Council which supports peace building, connecting communities and cultural diversity with local groups and organisations.
Derry and Strabane’s programme will run from Monday 14th to Monday September 21st 2020 and include online events and digital content from a diverse range of groups and organisations.
The theme for the online showcase is ‘Celebrating Our Journey, Embracing Our Future.’ and the programme of events and content will include online workshops, Zoom lectures, podcasts, digital storytelling and virtual exhibitions.
Among the online experiences in Derry and Strabane will be a virtual tour of St Augustine’s Chapel, online workshops from the North West Japanese Cultural Group, short films about across the divide and a documentary on how communities and organisations delivered invaluable services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the launch Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney encouraged people to get involved in this year’s programme which can be viewed at derrystrabane.com/goodrelationsweek.
“Good Relations Week is a chance to highlight and get involved in some of the crucial work that is helping build positive relations between the different cultures and communities,” he said.
“The enhanced online programme this year due to Covid restrictions means the programme is more accessible than ever and I would encourage the public to visit the website and learn more about the many rich and diverse cultures that make up our own community.
“I am particularly looking forward to the History of the Headstones Tour on Tuesday September 15th which I will be attending personally.”
Good Relations week is happening across Northern Ireland with online events and digital content will explore topics such as tackling sectarianism and racism, cultural diversity, dealing with the past, faith, sport, young people and language.
Event and Content organisers include community and voluntary organisations, local councils, Libraries NI, the Education Authority, Ulster Rugby, Queen’s University, and Ulster University.
Nisha Tandon, Board member of the Community Relations Council added: “This is a big year for us as we celebrate 30 years of investment in outstanding community relations work, and we are delighted to deliver over 150 online events that will showcase the fantastic efforts of people and communities in tackling sectarianism and racism and promoting cultural diversity.
“This online experience will demonstrate the spirit of good relations to a new virtual audience and make this year’s Good Relations Week a modern celebration of Northern Ireland’s diverse culture and heritage.”
Jacqueline Irwin CEO of Community Relations Council said “Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this year’s programme – the energy behind the week is your enthusiasm, commitment and imagination.
“We hope Good Relations Week 2020 will inspire everyone to get involved in bringing local people together to help each other and, in so doing, build trusting relationships and a happier future too.”
Good Relations Week is supported by The Executive Office, Department for Communities, Department of Justice and the Education Authority Northern Ireland and contributes to achieving the Together: Building a United Community Strategy.
To download your copy of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Good Relations week programme please visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/goodrelationsweek
For the province wide Good Relations Week 2020 programme of events and content visit: www.goodrelationsweek.com or keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #GRWeek2020.
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