Today’s event included a tour of the gaol guided by the young people, themed on life in prison from the Victorian era to the present day, and a short play based on a series of letters between two women in 1907 about the Belfast Dock strike.
Organised by Upper North Belfast Community Empowerment Partnership the event was funded through the URBAN II Youth Works Project in conjunction with the Terry Enright Foundation.
Minister Ritchie said: “Today’s impressive showcase demonstrated the talents of local youths in the unique surroundings of the gaol. It also forms part of a wider development programme, organised through the CEP, designed to support young people to lead on strategic issues impacting on their local area.”
She continued: “Projects such as this help develop the confidence and self esteem of young people and empower them to make key decisions about issues which affect their everyday lives.”
I also very much welcome the use of the gaol as a shared space for the community here today and I wish to congratulate all involved.”
Notes to Editors:
- Upper North Belfast Community Empowerment Partnership is funded through the Community Capacity Building Programme administered by the North Belfast Community Action Unit, DSD.
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496 or Fiona Nelson on 07816157480. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
