Council calling on community leaders to join new Challenging Prejudice Leadership development programme

by Gráinne Connolly

Derry and Strabane Council are calling on community leaders throughout the city and district to sign up to their new 'Challenging Prejudice Leadership Development Programme'. 

The programme, which includes a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, aims to educate people about the events of the Holocaust and consider the lessons for today. 

It's part of the Council's proactive approach to improving good relations. 
 

Opportunities will arise for through the scheme for community representatives, Council staff and the wider community to promote the city, towns and villages as safe and welcoming places for all people. 

It hopes to develop positive relationships between people of different community backgrounds, and to enhance skills to help participants contribute to improving the attitudes of people within their local areas. 

A series of workshops will be held where community leaders will explore the Holocaust, how it happened, why it happened and how the lessons learned from it can be used to address key issues in today's society; including sectarianism, racism and the refugee crisis. 
 

Q Radio's been speaking to Angela Askin, the Council's Good Relations Officer, who hopes the scheme will equip community leaders with the tools to challenge prejudice, bigotry and intolerence in their own communities. 

This programme will also provide an excellent opportunity to critically evaluate one of the most horrific events of the 20th century, the Holocaust: 

The Challening Prejudice Leadership Development Programme will consist of 10 days: 

• Monday 6th, 13th and 20th November
   
• Wednesday 22nd November
   
• Overseas study visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau (Sunday 26th to 30th November)
   
• Thursday 30th November
   
• Closure -Thursday 14th December

Participants interested in taking part will have to have a valid passport for travel in order to be considered. 

There are currently 20 places available and the closing date for applications is 3pm on Tuesday 31st October. 

For more information contact Angela Askin on 02871253253 ext 8220 or angela.askin@derrystrabane.com.