L'Derry Teenagers Stand Against Hate Crime

Over three hundred teenagers from across twelve secondary schools are to speak out against racism, sectarianism and homophobia at Derry City Council’s annual 'Prejudice: Face On!' event.

The event will take place in the City Hotel on Wednesday, 13 February.

The initiative has been organised by Derry City Council’s Community Relations Department and is part of the Council’s Good Relations Strategy.

The Award event is the culmination of pupil’s participation in a series of workshops centering around tackling hate crime.

The free, face-to-face sessions offer pupils the chance to meet representatives from different communities, in an effort to challenge prejudice and stereotypes.

Representatives from the community and voluntary sector involved include the Apprentice Boys of Derry Association, the Rainbow Project, migrant workers, PSNI, organisations representing Black and Minority Ethnic groups, the GAA, interface community workers, former political prisoners and local church leaders.

Mayor Cllr Kevin Campbell, who will be awarding certificates to pupils at the ceremony, said: "The 'Face On' award event clearly has a positive impact on the attitudes and actions of the young students involved. Teenagers can be extremely positive influencers in their local communities and social circles so it is great to see youth engaging actively as positive citizens."

Carol Stewart, Community Relations Officer at Derry City Council said: "Again this year, I am more than delighted with the enthusiasm and positive feedback from both the pupils and schools. In what is one of the largest initiatives organised by Derry City Council in association with the secondary schools, the year 10 pupils will be attending the event to present, share and celebrate their learning and achievements and be awarded accordingly. The day as always promised to be filled with fun, drama, art, music and multi- media visuals of the students work."

(IT)