Difference must be celebrated and respected - Donaldson

Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson congratulated young people today for their respect for diversity in society.

The Minister addressed over 90 young people from 15 post primary schools who are celebrating achieving Level 1 accreditation in the Citizenship in a Divided Society Programme.

Mr Donaldson told the young audience that he hoped they would use their experience and learning to influence others to value difference.

“All too often there are negative stories about young people – ones in which they are portrayed as thugs or gangs. Sometimes we as adults need to ask ourselves how much respect we give to young people and how much we demand from them.

“I know that the vast majority of young people are self-motivated, eager to learn and respectful of diversity. Diversity makes society rich. We all want to create a society where difference is not only understood but celebrated and respected.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The awards ceremony has been organised by NI Children’s Enterprise(NICE).
2. NICE’s “Citizenship in a Divided Society” programme is linked to the YR13 Citizenship curriculum.
3. The programme was accredited with Open College Network in 2005, giving the young people a further incentive to want to complete the programme. N.I. Open College Network (OCN) accredits the programme at Level 1. This course is offered from OCN’s ‘Foundations for Learning and Life’ sector.
4. The Local and Global Citizenship strand of Learning for Life and Work in post-primary covers key elements such as personal / mutual understanding, ethical / economic awareness, and education for sustainable development are covered across all areas of learning. Pupils will address issues such as diversity, inclusion and reconciliation, sustainable development, and local and global economies in their studies.
5. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8204. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned