Diversity and Good Relations Programme Participants Visit Poland

Participants on a Clanrye Group’s PEACE IV project visited Krakow, Poland as part of their OCN NI Diversity and Good Relations programme.

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Charlie Casey and other Council members joined the locally based group. The project was supported by the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).  

As part of the three-day visit, the group visited Auschwitz and Birkenau as well as the Salt Mines. Participants felt that this opportunity gave them an insight to different cultures, but also how a country has moved on from historical conflict.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “The visit to Krakow gave the group a deep, and at times emotionally challenging, insight into the traumatic and devastating history of Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. It also provided the group with a new understanding and knowledge of how a country can move forward and meet the challenges that arise from historical conflict by embracing respect for diversity and good relations at all levels within society.”

Dara O’Hagan, Manager of Youth and Family Service said, “Thanks to Peace IV and SEUPB this programme has enabled us as a group to explore, understand and share our cultures. It has stretched us to go outside our comfort zones and bridge the gap that still exists in society. We have learned from the programme, the trip and each other. As a result, we are more knowledgeable, and more empowered to make a difference in our own communities, through inclusiveness and through the networking and friendships we have made.”

The OCN NI qualifications in Diversity and Good Relations have been designed to provide learners with an understanding of the importance and respect for diversity and good relations. Participants will gain a better understanding of what is meant by prejudice and discrimination and will come away with a greater awareness of the value of equal opportunity legislation.

The OCN Level 2 Diversity and Good Relations programme will begin in September 2019 and Clanrye Group is now recruiting for this free project. To be eligible you must live/work in the Newry, Mourne and Down area, and be able to commit to all sessions.  The programme will run for nine weeks and will provide an opportunity for a study trip to Krakow.

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

To apply please contact Leah on leah.stuttard@clanryegroup.com or phone 028 3089 8119.

Captions:

1: Participants from the Newry, Mourne and Down area visit Auschwitz as part of the PEACE IV Diversity and Good Relations trip to Poland.

2: Participants display their OCN Level 2 in Diversity and Good Relations qualification.