TEENAGERS UNITE TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE
Teenagers unite to build a better future
By JULIE O'CONNOR
TWO Ulster teenagers, from opposite sides of the community, symbolised the promise for the future yesterday as they launched the so-called peace campus in west Belfast.
Thirteen-year-old Margaret Gibney, from Belfast's Shankill Road, and Gerard Quinn, 15, from the Falls, cut the first sod for the University of Ulster's Springvale centre as President Bill Clinton looked on.
Margaret, who like Gerald, has been involved in cross-community work, first came to prominence after writing to Prime Minister Tony Blair begging him to try and bring peace to the Province.
That plea, Mr Blair said, had spurred him on to make the peace process work.
"This peace process is, in the end, for the young people's future. They deserve a better time and a better chance of prosperity than their parents and grandparents had," Mr Blair said.
Margaret said she hoped to one day graduate from the new campus and wanted to help build a better future for Ulster.
"In all countries where there is war it is always the kids who suffer through losing their parents and their homes. I want to help to build a better future for everyone," she said.
Gerard, who attends Corpus Christi School, said he believed Northern Ireland was on the threshold of a golden future.
"I believe we have a golden opportunity at the end of the peace process and I implore all involved in the peace process to have the courage and conviction to make it work," he said.
More than 150 guests attended the ceremony, held at the proposed site of the Springvale Educational Village, Springfield Road, described by UU vice-chancellor Lord Smith as a '"potent symbol of hope for the future".
"Springvale, as its name implies, will be a place of growth and renewal, of empowerment and social inclusion. It is the least the community deserves," said Lord Smith.
The unveiling of the dedication plaque was jointly performed by President Clinton and Mr Blair.
Later, the President shook hands and had words of encouragement to many of those who packed the small marquee to welcome him to west. Belfast,.
Among the guests were First Minister David Trimble and Deputy Seamus Mallon, PUP leader David Ervine, Senator George Mitchell and Secretary of State Mo Mowlam.
By JULIE O'CONNOR
TWO Ulster teenagers, from opposite sides of the community, symbolised the promise for the future yesterday as they launched the so-called peace campus in west Belfast.
Thirteen-year-old Margaret Gibney, from Belfast's Shankill Road, and Gerard Quinn, 15, from the Falls, cut the first sod for the University of Ulster's Springvale centre as President Bill Clinton looked on.
Margaret, who like Gerald, has been involved in cross-community work, first came to prominence after writing to Prime Minister Tony Blair begging him to try and bring peace to the Province.
That plea, Mr Blair said, had spurred him on to make the peace process work.
"This peace process is, in the end, for the young people's future. They deserve a better time and a better chance of prosperity than their parents and grandparents had," Mr Blair said.
Margaret said she hoped to one day graduate from the new campus and wanted to help build a better future for Ulster.
"In all countries where there is war it is always the kids who suffer through losing their parents and their homes. I want to help to build a better future for everyone," she said.
Gerard, who attends Corpus Christi School, said he believed Northern Ireland was on the threshold of a golden future.
"I believe we have a golden opportunity at the end of the peace process and I implore all involved in the peace process to have the courage and conviction to make it work," he said.
More than 150 guests attended the ceremony, held at the proposed site of the Springvale Educational Village, Springfield Road, described by UU vice-chancellor Lord Smith as a '"potent symbol of hope for the future".
"Springvale, as its name implies, will be a place of growth and renewal, of empowerment and social inclusion. It is the least the community deserves," said Lord Smith.
The unveiling of the dedication plaque was jointly performed by President Clinton and Mr Blair.
Later, the President shook hands and had words of encouragement to many of those who packed the small marquee to welcome him to west. Belfast,.
Among the guests were First Minister David Trimble and Deputy Seamus Mallon, PUP leader David Ervine, Senator George Mitchell and Secretary of State Mo Mowlam.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/280
Published Date: 04-Sep-98
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