Minister Ritchie funds young people’s cross-community trip to USA

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today announced financial support of almost £20,000 to help fund a cross-community group of school children from Derry City to visit the USA.

At the request of Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland, the children from across a range of post primary schools will visit US political institutions and perform music, arts and dance at a number of public venues in the United States.

Speaking about her contribution towards this project Minister Ritchie said: “I am pleased to support this very worthwhile project that will afford children across the North, the unique opportunity to showcase their talents and those of the City of Derry to the people of the United States of America.

“What is tremendous about this project is its cross-community nature which gives us a glimpse of the Shared Future we all want to see. I believe that just about every post primary school in Derry is participating in the trip.

“The school’s visit fits exactly with my own mission in the US which is to thank the President and other US leaders for the help they have given us – but also to urge them to stay engaged as we build a new Shared Future.

“I would like to pay tribute to the vision of those who have organised this visit, not least Kathleen Gormley of St Cecilia’s and the Mayor of Derry, Gerard Diver.”

Councillor Gerard Diver, Mayor of Derry who will accompany the forty four participants during their eight day trip to the US, said: “The funding from Margaret Ritchie’s Department is greatly appreciated. Quite a number of the participants come from relatively disadvantaged areas and this help means that the visit will not impose a huge cost on their families. I know the visit will be a huge success.”

Notes to Editors:

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