The North West Migrants Forum (NWMF) have opened registration for their ‘Summer School’ program for young people, aged 13-24, with a passion for change and social justice.
The six-day long programme is taking place on the 21st-26th August 2021, at the City Hotel in Derry, starting from 10.30am-5pm each day.
Effective Activism Supporting Intercommunity Practice Summer School which is open to up to 70 young people will offer a mixture of intercultural learning, interactive and reflective sessions and opportunities to learn about integration challenges faced by minority communities in Northern Ireland.
At the end of the summer school a group of 30 young people will be selected to lead the development of a policy brief focused on the change of the Common Travel Area Rules and Regulations which will be presented to the Irish and UK governments next summer.
Aynaz Zarif, Community Liaison Officer at the North West Migrants Forum said; “This is a very exciting opportunity for young people who want to drive change in Ireland and we are looking for any young person who has a real passion for activism and wants to hear and learn directly from real-life 'change makers'.”
The Programme will see attendees learning directly from local activists, journalists and civil society leaders, including youth wings from 5 political parties, Sinn Fein, Ulster Unionist Party, SDLP, People before Profit and The Alliance Party.
Cllr Ryan McCready of the Ulster Unionist Party said: “We are delighted to have been invited to participate in this very important summer school. Too often Unionism is perceived as not being inclusive and a ‘cold place for migrants and minority groups’.
“We want to change that perception. The fact is Unionists come in all shapes and sizes and we want to show not with words but with actions that the Ulster Unionist Party and indeed unionism can be a safe home for everyone regardless of their skin colour, religion or sexuality.”
Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Director of Programmes at The North West Migrants Forum said: “Young people can and should be taught about equality, respect and tolerance and summer schools are a great way of bringing young people together.
“But this year our summer school is quite unique, it is about social activism in a very challenging time for our community, that is why we are incredibly pleased with the support we have received so far from political parties in Northern Ireland.
“Our intention is to encourage young people from right across our city and district to engage with the big issues that impact on new communities that are coming to make Northern Ireland their home. And I firmly believe that it is vitally important to work with young people from all communities regardless of their ethnicity, political or religious affiliations.
17-year-old North West Migrant Forum Youth Culture Club member Ryan Martin said: “Since I joined I have learned so much and I honestly believe I have become more aware of the many inequalities our new communities are facing here. This summer school is a perfect opportunity to expand your horizon and to open your eyes to change and acceptance.”
Any young person who wishes to take part in this unique summer school can register here.
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