TOLERANCE A KEY FACTOR FOR YOUTHS AFTER BOMB
Tolerance a key factor for youths after bomb
YOUTH workers in the Omagh area began cross-community projects which aimed to teach young people tolerance of other religions, understanding different traditions, and making informed and educated opinions. A task made more difficult after the bomb.
Focus was turned on young people for two reasons. Firstly, to identify those who may have been traumatised by events and secondly, to establish some grassroots cross-community activity for youths who had no other opportunity to meet, socialise or strike up friendships with children from the opposite religion.
Simon Stewart, a youth worker at,the Station Centre on the Dromore Road organised a cross-community project for young people in Omagh following the bomb. "In my experience,he says, a lot of the young people I work with have no sectarian affiliation whatsoever. They actually discover they have a lot in common.
"But if you set up a community facility in a specific area," he argues, "then the kids in that area never have any reason to leave it." Recognising this problem and in light of the events in Omagh, the Cyber Centre was opened as a summer club where youths could use a broadband internet service, play pool, enjoy bands and DJ nights.
"It was a compact project and it was the best mix of religions I have ever seen," recalls Simon.
"It is usually difficult to draw groups together but some projects demonstrate how people will work together for a common goal, push in the same direction and build friendships and teamwork."
Another success story was a group of youths' who were brought, to France on a cross community scheme shortly after the bomb. Most of the youths on the trip have kept in contact, remained friends and still hang out at the Station Centre. Forcing home the point that they may never have known each other if it had not been for the projects set up after the bomb.
Another way for young people to channel their energies was through a Youth Choir set up initially to raise money for the Omagh Fund. Later on the group of 16 to 18 year olds toured Ireland, the UK and America with their message of reconciliation.
YOUTH workers in the Omagh area began cross-community projects which aimed to teach young people tolerance of other religions, understanding different traditions, and making informed and educated opinions. A task made more difficult after the bomb.
Focus was turned on young people for two reasons. Firstly, to identify those who may have been traumatised by events and secondly, to establish some grassroots cross-community activity for youths who had no other opportunity to meet, socialise or strike up friendships with children from the opposite religion.
Simon Stewart, a youth worker at,the Station Centre on the Dromore Road organised a cross-community project for young people in Omagh following the bomb. "In my experience,he says, a lot of the young people I work with have no sectarian affiliation whatsoever. They actually discover they have a lot in common.
"But if you set up a community facility in a specific area," he argues, "then the kids in that area never have any reason to leave it." Recognising this problem and in light of the events in Omagh, the Cyber Centre was opened as a summer club where youths could use a broadband internet service, play pool, enjoy bands and DJ nights.
"It was a compact project and it was the best mix of religions I have ever seen," recalls Simon.
"It is usually difficult to draw groups together but some projects demonstrate how people will work together for a common goal, push in the same direction and build friendships and teamwork."
Another success story was a group of youths' who were brought, to France on a cross community scheme shortly after the bomb. Most of the youths on the trip have kept in contact, remained friends and still hang out at the Station Centre. Forcing home the point that they may never have known each other if it had not been for the projects set up after the bomb.
Another way for young people to channel their energies was through a Youth Choir set up initially to raise money for the Omagh Fund. Later on the group of 16 to 18 year olds toured Ireland, the UK and America with their message of reconciliation.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1560
Published Date: 14-Aug-03
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