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£225,000 lifeline for Newtown
group
07.03.11
A Newtowncunningham
community group has been thrown a lifeline with
joint funding of £225,000 to promote a cross-border
peace building project.
Newtowncunningham Community Development Initiative (NCDI)
will share the allocation with Glebeside Community
Association and Carnlough Community Association in
Co Antrim. The money has been granted by the
International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and will help
the three groups undertake a project called 'The
Northern Ark'. Its aim is to "explore cultural
identity, challenge sectarian attitudes and
cultivate cross-border relationships" in the three
communities. The programme will continue for a
30-month period. |
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NCDI secretary Betty
Holmes said the allocation was "good news" for their
group which been living under a threat of closure
for several years due to the recession.
"This funding will give the management committee
some security as over the last few years, with
limited funding, the committee have had to work
extremely hard to ensure that the doors didn't
close. NCDI has proved to be a valuable community
resource," she said.
"NCDI would like to thank IFI for recognising the
contribution that the community project has made |
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Betty Holmes. |
to the local area and
beyond.
"NCDI have just completed a small grants project
funded under the Peace III programme and this has
enabled some of the ground work for future capacity
building within the community," added Ms Holmes.
The main elements of 'The Northern Ark' will be to
challenge attitudes to sectarianism, segregation and
will include cross community and cross border
relationship-building through seminars, conferences,
study visits and cultural events. |
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