PEACE III

LATEST NEWS

Co. Monaghan VEC made application for funding to the Monaghan County Development Board Peace III Peace and Reconciliation Partnership. The following actions received funding and the programmes will be implemented in 2009 - 2010.

Action 1.1 Fostering good relations through a county wide programme of events

This is a cross community programme aimed at engaging members of the 55 youth clubs registered with Co. Monaghan VEC. This project involves sharing space, programmes, skills and equipment during the period October 2009 and November 2010.

Action: 1.2 Towards an inclusive youth work setting

This is a cross-community training event for youth leaders in Co. Monaghan. These leaders will receive Training in diversity awareness and anti-sectarianism with a view to embedding an inclusive culture into youth clubs and organisations.

Action: 1.3 Diversity awareness in the classroom

This initiative will provide diversity awareness and anti-sectarianism training for teachers of Religion, English, History and/or CSPE (civic, social and political education) on a cross-community basis. This training will then be used and new knowledge disseminated in the classroom during the delivery of a six-week programme on the historical, social, economic or political impact of diversity in general and sectarianism in particular. On completion of this programme, schools will have the opportunity to take a class group on a study visit to Northern Ireland.

Action: 1.4 Reading and reflecting on the legacy left from the past

This project will engage teenagers in second level settings to reflect on anti-sectarian values and attitudes and other socially divisive behaviour through a reading, writing and public debating programme.

Action: 1.5 Our visual images of peace

These cross-community art and media programmes delivered to 100 young people in after-school clubs and youth club settings will focus on the themes of diversity awareness, community relations and peace and will culminate in an exhibition of the participants work.

Action: 1.6 Community action project for peace and reconciliation

This project will facilitate early school leavers to explore and share experiences of living in a border town. They will also learn to manage and understand feelings of sectarian anger and to explore options available for building good relations in their communities.

Action: 1.7 A cross community youth ensemble

This project will engage young musicians and vocalists in a cross-community programme aimed at blending the music, instruments and songs associated with different religious and cultural traditions.

Action: 1.8 Youth activity diversity audit

This research project aims to establish the proportion of youth members engaged in youth clubs, youth projects and youth activities in Co. Monaghan who are from minority religious, cultural and ethnic groups.

The pictures show Youth leaders who took part in a two day Intercultural and Diversity Awareness Training Workshop in Carrickmacross on the 7^th and 8^th September 2009. The event was organised by Co. Monaghan VEC Youth Work Service, facilitated by NYCI and funded under the Co. Monaghan PEACE III Programme.

Bonding Beyond Boundaries Youth Club Event is a resounding success!

The first Co. Monaghan Bonding Beyond Boundaries Youth Club Event took place on Tuesday 20th October 2009 in the YWCA building in Monaghan town. The event was held to launch Action 1.1 of the Co. Monaghan VEC PEACE III Programme. Funding for this programme was received from Monaghan County Development Board Peace III Peace & Reconciliation Partnership.

The aim of the event was to assist youth clubs forge new relationships with other youth clubs in Co. Monaghan and thus to break down traditional and organisational barriers. A total of twenty three clubs were represented on the night.

The groups were welcomed by Maeve McCabe, Co. Monaghan VEC Youth Officer and this was followed by a short presentation by Alan Ryan, Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III Project Support Worker. The aims of the PEACE III programme and the funding opportunities available under the Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III Programme were outlined. In addition, the criteria required for a successful application was explained.

Clubs were then invited to sit at their designated tables and commence the introduction process. Each club was given five minutes to discuss their current needs and their resources with a view to commencing joint ventures e.g. sharing of facilities and leaders, inter club competitions and shared programmes. After each five minute period a club moved to a new table.

A brief intermission was held after fifty minutes to allow leaders and young members time to gather their thoughts and notes and enjoy the refreshments on offer. Then it was back to work with renewed enthusiasm! The evening continued and clubs that didn’t meet in the first session were now given the opportunity to discuss options.

The event was a huge success and feedback from the clubs was very positive. Clubs left the event with new ideas and the contact details of other clubs and some even found their ‘match’. Club representatives will now report to their respective committees and then proceed with plans to implement joint programme opportunities. Particular interest was shown in hosting other clubs and exchanging leaders to assist in singing, basketball activities, outdoor activities and hill walking events.

User friendly application forms were provided on the night and the momentum now lies with the youth clubs. A large number of applications are anticipated and it is expected that the outcomes of the proposals will provide the impetus for cross community events in the year ahead. Co. Monaghan VEC PEACE III staff members will be on hand throughout the year to assist clubs with their applications, programme planning and implementation.

If you missed this event, do not despair. The positive feedback received and the ‘buzz’ generated from the event itself means that there will be another Bonding Beyond Boundaries Youth Club Event early in 2010. For further details contact Maeve McCabe or Alan Ryan on 047-30888.

The clubs represented on the night were: Ballybay Youth Fellowship, 2^nd Monaghan Scout Group. Castleblayney Includus, 38^th Monaghan Town Girls Brigade, Youth Café Castleblayney, Killanny Young Pioneer Club, Clontibret Girls Brigade, Donagh Basketball Club, Foróige District Council, 1^st Glaslough Boys Brigade, 4^th Monaghan Magheracloone Scouts, Castleblayney Youth Choral Group, Mullaghmatt/Cortolvin Foróige Club, Killeevan Foróige Club, Clones Youth Club, Castleblayney Green Group, Clontibret Boys Brigade, Aghabog Foróige Club, Special Needs Active Parents (SNAP), Ballybay Youth Club, Corcaghan Youth Club, Derryvalley Youth Club and Club Na nÓg Ballinode.

Co. Monaghan VEC PEACE III Programme

December 2009 Update.

Over the last two weeks the Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III Programme has arranged, facilitated and funded a range of training and social events for youth club leaders and members in Co. Monaghan. The aim of the programme is to encourage leaders and members to build better relationships with other organisations by participating in joint training, social and competitive events.

Youth Leadership Training

1. Drama Workshop 2^nd December 2009: The Drama Workshop was aimed at assisting youth club leaders to introduce fun drama icebreakers, improvisation, character development and plays into their own youth settings.

2. Level One Basketball Course 5^th and 6^th December 2009: This course provided accredited training for youth club leaders to assist them in enhancing their coaching skills.In the new year youth club leaders will take this new found training and develop basketball in their own community.

3.Cultural Competency Awareness Course 10^th December 2009: This programme assisted participants to learn the theory and skills required to work in multi-ethnic youth work settings.

The ‘Host a Club’ Scheme

This scheme provides funding to enable small youth clubs engage in cross community and cross organisation activity. Four events took place in December 2009.

A Night Hike and trip to the Cooley Mountains were initiatives undertaken jointly by the leaders and members from Monaghan Town Scouts and Clontibret Boys Brigade.

A laser quest night was enjoyed by both Killeevan Foróige Youth Club and Monaghan Town Scouts. The object of the game was to eliminate the other team members by shooting infra red beams at the tags on their body. This laser quest event proved to be very popular and judging by the enjoyment displayed, demand for this activity will rise.

The Special Needs Active Parents (SNAP) Christmas party was a bit hit with its members both young and old. Festive games and activities took place on the day and Santa Clause made a grand entrance by horse and cart. He also provided a gift for each member. Aghabog Foroige Club were also in attendance, not only to enjoy the festivities but also to perform a carol singing service for the party. A great day was had all who attended the event.

The Monday night group of Iónad na nÓg, Clones invited young people from St. Patrick’s Accommodation Centre to a festive party in their centre. The focus of the event was to introduce the young people from Clones to people from different cultures and to do a joint art activity which celebrates their culture. Each child got a special present of a selection box as a memento of the night together.

If you or your club would like to take part in any future joint training opportunities, ‘host a club’ events or competitions please note that Co. Monaghan VEC is arranging an action packed spring programme and the VEC is keen to support your suggestions. For further information and to find out how your club can be involved, contact Maeve McCabe or Alan Ryan on 047-30888 or email aryan@monaghanvec.ie

Co. Monaghan Youth Ensemble

Many young people attended the ensemble auditions on Saturday 5^th December 2009. A broad range of instruments and ability levels were in evidence. The young people selected to participate in the ensemble will commence the programme with a one-day workshop on Saturday 30^th January2010 in the Iontas Centre in Castleblayney. This event will be facilitated by Dorothy Conaghan, Young Dublin Symphonia. For more details, contact Maeve McCabe, 047-30888 or email: youth@monaghanvec.ie.

Adult Basic Education Programme

Co Monaghan VEC is currently running a part-time basic education course with a Community Development theme and accredited at FETAC Level 3. This cross community course will cover FETAC modules such as Organising Committees, Living in a Diverse Society, Communications and Computer Literacy. For further information please contact Helen Fitzpatrick on 047 30888 or call into the VEC Administration Offices, Market St., Monaghan.

All the activities outlined above are part-financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development fund through the Peace III Programme and funded through Monaghan Peace III Partnership.

READING AND REFLECTING IN THE CLASSROOM

Second level schools in Co. Monaghan have registered to participate in an exciting new reading and reflection programme. The purpose of the programme is to give young students the opportunity to reflect on the legacy left from ‘The Troubles’.

Co. Monaghan VEC, with funding received from Monaghan County Development Board PEACE III Peace and Reconciliation Partnership, provided the reading material and the impetus for reflection.Class sets of the reading material- The Divided City (Theresa Breslin), Divided Cities (Joe Calame) and The Joan Lingard Series were distributed to schools.

Following classroom reflection on the content, theme and tone of the reading material, students are encouraged to submit items of written work to the class teacher for evaluation and comment. The teacher on conclusion of this process will collate the submissions of work and submit the strongest pieces in the presentation folder provided.

The work presented will be compiled into four sections. The first three sections are short stories, poetry and essay compositions.Section four will allow students to choose their own medium of expression (e.g. art, film, music, interview etc).

Schools have the option to submit work in the sections of their choice.Prizes will be awarded to the best entry in each section and selected work will be published in an anthology. An opportunity to visit a ‘Divided City’, to the value of €5000, will be available to the school that presents the best portfolio (all four sections). The winning portfolio must be a class group endeavour and meet the specified criteria.It must also be ambitious in content and reach, be well presented and contain a high standard of writing. The closing date for submissions is Friday 22^nd January 2010.

Co. Monaghan VEC would like to acknowledge the support it received from schools and teachers and wish all groups every success.For further information or to register your school, contact Maeve McCabe, VEC Youth Officer, Co. Monaghan VEC Administration Centre, Market Street, Monaghan.

Developing Intercultural Policies & Implementation Plans

This two day course, facilitated by the National Youth Council of Ireland, is designed to ease participants through a policy development process with the aim of developing an intercultural policy template for their own organisation.

This course will include sessions on:

Understanding the purpose of policy development
Exploring different policy models and choosing appropriate models for development
Fitting organisational practices to policy templates and exploring challenges to change
Assessing current practice
Planning for change

This course is best suited to volunteers/staff of youth organisations, school staff and others working with young people in after school or out of school settings.

Venue: Shirley Arms Hotel, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan

Date: Wednesday 25^th& Thursday 26^th November

Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm

To register your interest or to find out more information contact:

Maeve McCabe, Youth Officer, Co. Monaghan VEC,

VEC Administration Centre, Market Street, Monaghan.

Phone: 047 30888 Email: youth@monaghanvec.ie

This course is free of charge but booking is essential as places are limited!!

This project is part-funded by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the PEACE III Programme

TEACHERS EMBRACE NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Thirty teachers, principals and education personnel working in both primary and second-level schools in Co. Monaghan joined with colleagues in Northern Ireland to participate in a personal and professional training programme exploring the legacy left by the conflict in Northern Ireland. The course was organised by Co. Monaghan VEC and funded by the Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III Programme with finance received from the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund.

The residential course on the 6^th and 7^th November was based in Belfast and examined the issues of segregation, diversity, inclusion and the issues that emerge when living in a contested space. The programme provided an opportunity for participants to explore political and civil structures within Northern Ireland and the consequential divisions arising as a result of cultural, political and religious difference.

The aim of the course was to provide teachers with opportunities to reflect and challenge personally held beliefs, values and attitudes to diversity, and to understand the implications for practice. It served to build their confidence and their capacity to challenge current thinking and behaviour and it provided opportunities to develop a range of strategies and methodologies that would enhance classroom learning.

The course commenced with a visit to Stormont to gain greater insight into the political context of Northern Ireland. The group took a guided tour and was hosted by Fred Cobain MLA, a member of the Ulster Unionist Party. He provided an insight into the community work undertaken by some political leaders. This work is contributing to improving relations at grass root level. The presentation ended with a question and answer session at which honest opinions, thoughts and viewpoints were shared.

In the afternoon the teachers went on a political and social tour of Belfast City visiting the Ardoyne, the Short Strand and The Falls Road areas. The group saw murals depicting the history and culture of both religious traditions. Some murals gave great insight into what life was like during ‘The Troubles’, others showed a sense of ‘moving on’ through peace and reconciliation and yet more empathised and expressed solidarity with international events and conflicts. The images viewed and the information received gave new meaning and greater relevance to the data and pictures contained in modern day classroom text books.

The day continued with group participation in evening workshops. Topics included: building group dynamics; an introduction to the power of assumptions; an introduction to identity studies; the values inherent in diversity education; the Conflicts of Interest Programme. Information on the latter was provided by Mr Tommy McKearney (Expac) who addressed the group. He explained the programme as a series of seminars aimed at bringing the participants on a journey to reach a more sympathetic understanding of all those affected by the troubles. Teachers will have an opportunity to participate in this course in February 2010.

The second day began with a workshop that explored the relationship between prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination. This was followed by a strong input from Pete Shirlow, (Senior Lecturer, School of Law in Queens University Belfast). He outlined the results of the recent Population and Inclusion Study of Derry. This study outlined opinions of both religious communities to issues of residential segregation, intimidation at work, ‘neutral’ areas and violence. It also showed reductions in security related incidences, sectarian incidents and recorded sectarian motivated crime. The day concluded with a workshop that focussed on dealing with controversial issues in the classroom.

The feedback received from the residential course was extremely positive. During the evaluation process and in subsequent correspondence participants stated it was ‘the best course I have ever experienced’, ‘it definitely left an impression on me’, ‘It was truly inspiring’, ‘I gained so much in such a short time’, ‘It was great to meet so many people so passionate about their work with today’s young people’.

The weekend event was organised by Maeve McCabe, Youth Officer, Co. Monaghan VEC. The programme was expertly facilitated by Eamonn McCallion and Lisa Dietrich (Community Relations in Schools). Teachers, principals and education staff from the following schools and centres participated in the event: St. Louis Girl’s National School Monaghan, Castleblayney Youthreach, Patrician High School Carrickmacross, Ballybay Community College, Largy College Clones, Our Lady’s Secondary School Castleblayney, Beech Hill College Monaghan, St. Macartan’s College Monaghan, Doohamlet National School, Monaghan Collegiate School, St. Catherine’s College Armagh, Cambridge House Grammer School Ballymena, Inver College Carrickmacross, Model School Monaghan, St. Louis Secondary School Monaghan, Monaghan Education Centre and Co. Monaghan VEC

Additional courses will be provided in 2010. If your school would like to be involved please contact Maeve McCabe, Youth Officer, VEC Administration Centre, Market Street Monaghan 047-0888

Co. Monaghan Youth Ensemble

This project will engage 30 young musicians and vocalists in a cross-community programme aimed at blending the music, instruments and songs associated with different religious and cultural traditions. This ensemble will perform at four PEACE III showcase events

Young musicians and singers individually or representing different religious and cultural groups in Monaghan will be invited to participate in the programme.

The resultant eclectic mix of musicians will participate in an initial twelve month programme. This will involve two musical directors working with the young people for two hours each week for three periods of ten weeks.

It is expected that this ensemble will remain together beyond the lifetime of the project and support from the Arts Council through the Music Network will be requested.

Objectives

To develop cross community relationships
To facilitate the sharing of musical skills and experiences
To promote understanding and acceptance of others
To produce a blend of music that is reflective of the variety of religious and cultural traditions in Monaghan

Expected Results

30 young people will participate in cross community relations
2 musical directors will receive Diversity Awareness Training
The group will perform at four PEACE III showcase

YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS ENJOY TAG RUGBY COMPETITON

The first Co. Monaghan VEC Inter-Club Tag Rugby Event took place on Saturday 28^th November 2009 in Ballybay. The competition was part of Action 1.1 of the Co. Monaghan VEC PEACE III Programme ‘Fostering good relations through a county wide programme of events’.

The aim of the event was to create opportunities for youth club members to come and try tag rugby in a fun non-competitive setting and at the same time to interact with other groups regardless of religious or ethnic background. A total of seven clubs were represented on the day and over 60 young people were in attendance. Youth leaders and family members also came along to offer their support.

The groups were welcomed to the event by Alan Ryan, Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III Project Support Worker. The participants were then introduced to the basic playing rules of tag rugby by David McGregor, Youth Development Officer Ulster Rugby (Monaghan Representative).

Once the introductions and rules were completed the clubs were divided into teams and the games began. Mixed teams had six players and multiple substitutions were allowed to give everyone an opportunity to play. Each team played three times ensuring strong interaction between participants both on and off the field. Drinks and hot food were provided throughout the day to keep the players hydrated and to keep their energy levels high.

In the near future each participant will be given a sweatshirt as a reward for their involvement in the tag rugby event and to remind them about the fun side of participating with other youth club members.

The tag rugby Inter-club event was a big hit with the participants and they are already looking for a follow up event!!! If your club missed this event please note that Co. Monaghan VEC will be holding more inter-club events in the coming months so keep checking your local notes and the website www.monaghanvec.ie for updates. For further information you can also contact Alan Ryan on 047-30888 or email aryan@monaghanvec.ie

Co. Monaghan VEC would like to acknowledge the support of Brendan Macklin & Pearse Brothers Ballybay for the use of the facilities, the referees, David McGregor Jnr & James Puttahree whose guidance and enthusiasm made the day a huge success and to Michael Gissane of the Irish Red Cross for providing first aid on the day.

The clubs represented on the day were: Glaslough Boys Brigade, Scotstown Community Games, Ballybay Youth Club, Clones Youth Club, Ballybay/Tullycorbett Youth Group, Creevagh Reformed Presbyterian Youth Club, St. Patrick’s Accommodation Centre and Doohamlet Youth Club.

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AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS &YOUTH CLUBS

Co. Monaghan VEC received funding from the Monaghan County Development Board Peace III Peace & Reconciliation Partnership to deliver a range of art and media workshops to young people.The ten week workshops will focus on the themes of diversity awareness and community relations.Each programme is unique and designed in conjunction with the leader and young people.

Expressions of Interest are now sought from After School Clubs and Youth Clubs who would like to avail of the workshops.Forms can be downloaded from the HERE or accessed directly from Co. Monaghan VEC at the details outlined below.

Closing Date: Wednesday 10^th February 2010

Contact: Maeve McCabe, Youth Officer, VEC Administration Centre, Market Street, Monaghan, 047-30888, youth@monaghanvec.ie

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NEWS

Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III Programme Gathers Momentum

The Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III Programme Strand 1 has eight actions that aim to develop positive proactive relationships between individuals and groups involved in youth settings in Co. Monaghan. This article outlines events that took place during the week commencing January 30th 2010.

Rounders Competition for Youth Club Members
Saturday 30th January 2010

Young youth club members gathered in the Phoenix Centre, Carrickmacross to participate in a cross community inter-club rounders competition. Seven teams of seven players used their batting, fielding and team skills to outwit their opponents and achieve home runs. At the end of the competition each club was presented with a rounders equipment kit to enable further practice to take place. The young club members are now looking forward to the next rounders event which will be held at an outdoor venue in May 2010.

This rounders event was co-ordinated by Alan Ryan, Co. Monaghan VEC Project Support Worker, facilitated by Paul O’Connor, GAA Games Development Officer and officiated by Colin Malone and Marty Curry, GAA Development Coaches. The participating youth clubs were Glaslough Girls Brigade, Carrickmacross Scouting Group, St. Patrick’s Accommodation Centre Youth Club, Clones Youth Club, Glaslough Boys Brigade, Castleblayney Youth Club and Ballybay Youth Club.

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Action 1.7: Youth Ensemble Workshop
Saturday 30th January 2010

Members of Co. Monaghan VEC cross community youth ensemble gathered in the Iontas Centre, Castleblayney to participate in a one day ensemble workshop. This event was designed to use the medium of music to encourage group work among young people and to provide a unique performance opportunity for budding musicians.

The ensemble members, playing a wide variety of instruments, worked under the guidance of Dorothy Conaghan, Dublin Youth Symphonia and a consultant on the recent RTE show ‘Music changes lives’. Dorothy, assisted by the ensemble directors Emily Mc Meel and Nathan Latimer, arranged the music of Christ Church, The Drunken Sailor and The Bear Necessities to suit the instruments and ability levels of the group. With great attention to detail and using a variety of innovative teaching techniques, Dorothy guided the musicians so that in the afternoon they were collectively playing the three tunes. Dorothy also shared her vast knowledge with Emily and Nathan to assist them with future ensemble workshops.

In parallel workshops, Karen Lennon assisted the singers by taking them though warm ups, breathing exercises and singing techniques.

At the end of the day, the young ensemble members and singers put on their first performance for their parents and received a solid, enthusiastic round of applause. The young musicians now look forward to further ensemble workshops which will take place in the coming months.

The next outing for the ensemble members is a visit to the National Concert Hall in Dublin on Saturday 13th February to view performances at the IAA 15th Festival of Youth Orchestras. This event will be co-ordinated by Maeve McCabe, VEC Youth Officer.

The members of the youth ensemble who attended this event included: Sarah & Celine McNally, Sean, Michael & Helen McKenna, Tabita Agnew, John Treanor, Tiarna Lavelle, Cillian McCabe, Eoin McCarville, Rachel & Kevin Lyden, Aine, Eabha & Orna Ni Fhlanagain, Enda O’Reilly, Eimear Finnegan, Nicole Martin, Lisa McCabe, Leona McCaul, James McElroy and Jack Brennan

Young musicians, particularly those from minority religious and minority ethnic groups, are invited to join the ensemble. For further details, contact Maeve McCabe, 047-30888.

Youth Ensemble participants and leaders Karen Lennon, Emily McMeel, Nathan Latimer with Dorothy Conaghan (Dublin Youth Symphonia) and Maeve McCabe (Youth Officer)

Action 1.6: Youthreach Centres Participate in Diversity Awareness
Tuesday 2nd February and Thursday 4th February 2010

Thirty eight Youthreach students from Carrickmacross and Castleblayney, accompanied by six tutors, made the trip to Belfast to participate in social and political tours of the city. These tours facilitated by Eamonn McCallion (Community Relations in Schools), helped the young participants to see at first hand the areas, people and communities most affected by the Troubles. In addition, the current work of community activists in building positive cross community relations was outlined. The young people had the opportunity to engage in dialogue which helped them to share their views, debate conflicting viewpoints and receive answers to their queries.

Action 1.2: Building Inclusive Youth Settings
Political Tour of South Armagh
Wednesday 3rd February 2010.

Eighteen youth leaders from Counties Monaghan and Louth participated in a political tour of South Armagh. The aim of the day was to learn about ‘the Troubles’ from two perspectives. The new knowledge and awareness gained will be used to assist youth leaders to combat sectarian attitudes and behaviours in youth settings.

The tour commenced with a visit to Ti Chulainn, Mullaghbane to listen to the views of two republican ex prisoners, Jimmy Fox and Pat Thompson. They outlined their experiences of growing up in South Armagh, the impact ‘the Troubles’ and republicanism had on the course of their lives and their current work in the community providing services for republican ex prisoners. The youth leaders were brought on a short tour of South Armagh to see key sites that hold significant historical importance for republicans. Sites included Forkhill Army Base, Donnelly’s Pub and two memorial sites erected to commemorate the lives of IRA Volunteers.

After lunch, the youth leaders continued their journey and visited Tullyvallen Orange Hall where they were welcomed by David McMullan, David Smyth and Billy Moorecroft. The group, all members of the Orange Order, outlined the history of the Orange Order, their experiences of the troubles and in particular their memory of the 1975 murders that took place in the Lodge. An open and frank discussion followed which helped the youth leaders to understand the efforts made in upgrading the hall and using it as a focal point for community activities, the legacy left in the community as a result of ‘the troubles’ and their views on the recent impasse in Northern Ireland.

Youth leaders now have the opportunity to reflect on the learning gained from this tour and to consider ways of enhancing understanding among their young youth club members.

Note:
All the above events are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund Investing in Your Future. The money is administered by Monaghan County Development Board PEACE III Peace and Reconciliation Partnership. Events are supported, organised and facilitated by members of Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III Team, Maeve McCabe, Alan Ryan and Helen McDonald. If you want to find out more about the VEC Peace III Programme, please contact a member of the team on 047-30888.

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Upcoming Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III workshops

1) Games From Around the World Workshop

This is an action packed workshop giving participants an opportunity to increase their repertoire of fun games from around the world while exploring a range of issue relevant to young people. It will bring fresh ideas and creative approaches when working with young people. The workshop will take place on Thursday 25th February in Clontibret Hall from 7pm-10pm.

2) Digital Filmmaking

This one day course will introduce participants to the process and craft of digital filmmaking. It will include the process of making a short film with young people, including pre-production, production and post production. The course will take place on Monday 8th March at the NYP Building, Monaghan from 10am-5pm.

For information contact:

Alan Ryan
Peace III Project Support Worker
Co. Monaghan VEC
VEC Administration Centre
Market Street
Monaghan
Tel: 047 30888
Email: aryan@monaghanvec.ie

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The Partners in Learning Committee in Castleblayney are promoting a

One Book – One Blayney Project

during March and April 2010. This literacy initiative encourages the whole community to read a selected

book during the stated period. The selected book is

Across the Barricades by Joan Lingard

This book is about friendship and it’s consequences in a divided city.

This project is part-financed by The European Unions European Regional Development Fund which is administered by Monaghan County Development Board Peace III Peace and Reconciliation Partnership. This project is supported by the Co. Monaghan VEC Peace III Programme.

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This project is part-funded by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the PEACE III Programme