£2,500 helps Ballee High School in “Rock Challenge”

Margaret Ritchie the Social Development Minister has confirmed funding to help Ballymena schoolchildren’s drama production.

The Minister said, “I am pleased to support this very worthwhile project as part of our Neighbourhood Renewal. It allows these young people to participate in the Northern Ireland heats of this annual competition. Ballee High School has been involved in the competition for the past eight years.”

The main focus of this competition is on young people being their best, without the need for tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs. Each schools entry takes the form of a short eight minute drama/dance production and provides an opportunity to perform live on stage at the Waterfront Hall.

It is the brainchild of the ‘Be Your Best’ Foundation, a registered charity producing the “Rock Challenge” in the UK. It builds partnerships in each participating community by involving students, parents, teachers, community leaders, local businesses, police and the media.

Notes to Editors:

1 The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy “People and Places” which was published in June 2003 sets out government’s proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.

2 The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:

• Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in the areas;
• Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy;
• Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe, and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods; and
• Social Renewal – to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.

3. All News Media enquires call DSD Information Office on 028 90829078 or Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.