A CELEBRATION of peace building and cultural diversity efforts of young people and the challenges they face is to take place next week.
Good Relations Week 2021 will feature a programme of more than 200 cross-community and multicultural events under the theme, 'Brighter Days Ahead'.
The events aim to explore how society can better meet the needs of young people and explore the issues affecting their culturally diverse lives today, including sectarianism and racism.
It will also examine the continuing impact of the past, mental health, isolation, education, faith, the coronavirus pandemic and the environment.
The events, which have been co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council, run from September 20 to 26 and include a mix of arts, history, music, sport and culture from a diverse range of organisations across the north.
This year’s programme includes the return of face-to-face events, alongside an expanded online offering of virtual events and digital content, with workshops, lectures, panel discussions, feature talks, podcasts, film, music and dance performances.
Among the events will be live visual and musical performances by young people with learning disabilities at the Black Box in Belfast as well as the premiere of the documentary film 'Integrated Education … through the eyes of young people' at the QFT, which explores the nature of good relations through an integrated schooling system.
Youth Initiatives will launch its Crosslinks Youth Arts Program aimed at bringing together young people from various communities to develop friendships and explore good relations through music, drama, dance and art.
Martin McDonald, chair of the Community Relations Council, said the week will showcase over 200 events "all aimed at building brighter days ahead for everyone."
For more information, please visit www.goodrelationsweek.com
