UU initiative targets community relations improvement

The University of Ulster today launched a Civic Leadership Training Programme developed as part of the on-going efforts to promote good relations between students and residents, particularly in the Holyland area of Belfast.

Recent problems in the area have led to today’s launch which has saw 120 students and 20 residents sign up for the initiative.

Today’s scheme will see participants develop skills in teamwork, communication and leadership aimed at equipping them to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Tom Ekin said: "The Civic Leadership Training Programme could prove to be a very valuable vehicle in transferring the values and skills of civic leadership to students and residents. It will enable both to play a fuller role in making a positive contribution to the communities in which they live.”

Professor Peter Roebuck, University of Ulster Provost, Community Relations, added: "It is the role of the modern university not only to educate our students in the subjects which they undertake to study but also in their wider civic role.

"This programme will explore issues of mutual concern to both students and residents in their host communities here in Belfast and also at our other campuses at Coleraine and Magee."

Last month eighteen people were arrested for “disorderly behaviour” following a night of disturbances on St Patrick's Day in the Holylands.

Queen’s University also suspended one student previous to this after he was caught behaving badly in public.

A new disciplinary group, set up in response to complaints from residents in the Holylands, made the decision to suspend the student who was caught acting in a “lewd manner” in public.

A further 12 students also appeared before the group for their bawdy behaviour.

(MB/SP)