Council Launches new Diversity and Good Relations Project

A project delivering diversity and good relations qualifications, funded by PEACE IV, was launched in Newry on Wednesday 19 September 2018, with another to follow shortly in Downpatrick. The project, which is funded through Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, will be delivered by the Clanrye Group and the launch took place at their offices at the Quays in Newry.

This project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “We are very pleased that PEACE IV has funded these projects and that Clanrye will be delivering the qualifications programme. Our district prides itself on actively encouraging different communities to work together in a spirit of mutual understanding, cultural awareness and respect. The interest shown highlights the local demand for these goals and I know that these programmes will benefit us all.

The OCN NI Level 2 Award in Diversity and Good Relations will explore Diversity within Society and Prejudice and Discrimination. It will run for nine weeks and provide an opportunity for the participants to have a study trip to Krakow, Poland. The qualifications have been designed to provide learners with an understanding of the importance of diversity and good relations, helping each person to become more aware of diverse groups and the importance of respect within them. Those taking the course will end up with a better understanding of what is meant by prejudice and discrimination and will recognise the value of equal opportunities legislation.

Declan Murphy, Chairperson of the PEACE IV Partnership in Newry, Mourne and Down said “We are delighted to have Clanrye Group providing the public with accredited Diversity and Good Relations courses. Newry, Mourne and Down has the delight of welcoming people from various different cultures and backgrounds and it is fantastic that we can learn with and from each other.”

Clanrye Group embrace the fact that the local areas are becoming increasingly diverse,  encompassing many different cultures, races and ethnicities and feel strongly that this project can benefit many individuals and groups and indeed the wider community.  

Recruitment is still ongoing for the Downpatrick programme, please contact Leah on 028 3089 8119 or email: leah.stuttard@clanryegroup.com for more information or to register your interest.

Match-funding for this project has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department for Rural and Community Development in Ireland.