Derry showcase marks 18 months of cross-community War & Peace Project
Project coordinators hailed the power of cross-community education as partners gathered at New Gate Arts & Culture Centre on Armistice Day.
North West Cultural Partnership marked the achievements of its War & Peace Project with a special celebration evening at New Gate Arts & Culture Centre on Wednesday November 11.
The event, titled Echoes of the Past, Voices of Peace, brought together community representatives, project partners, schools and local organisations to reflect on 18 months of education, historical learning and cross-community engagement.
Delivered by North West Cultural Partnership in partnership with RAPID NI, the War & Peace Project has formed an important educational and community engagement programme alongside the restoration of four First World War memorials across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
The memorials, located in Derry, Strabane, Sion Mills and Castlederg, are being restored to preserve their historical significance and ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made by local people during the First World War.
While the physical restoration of these important landmarks has been a central element of the wider initiative, the educational programme has focused on bringing their history to life.
Through school visits, workshops, historical presentations and community activities, young people have explored the experiences of those who left their communities to serve during the Great War, including the contributions of the 36th Ulster Division and 16th Irish Division.
The programme has also encouraged conversations around remembrance, shared history and the importance of peace, engaging young people from different community backgrounds.
Wednesday evening's celebration featured contributions from project partners, historians and community representatives, alongside performances from Long Tower Primary School, Sollus Highland Dancers and musicians Richard Laird and Darren Milligan.
David Thompson, War & Peace Project Coordinator, said: "The past 18 months have been an incredible journey. This project was never simply about restoring four war memorials. It was about ensuring the stories behind those memorials are understood and remembered by future generations.
"Through education, we've had the opportunity to engage with hundreds of young people, helping them understand the history of the First World War and the impact it had on families and communities across our district.
"One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing young people from different backgrounds learning together and discovering the shared history that connects us.
"The restoration of these memorials will leave a lasting physical legacy, but the knowledge, understanding and relationships developed through our educational programme are equally important."
The evening also recognised the contribution of local community organisations, including young people who travelled to the Somme following educational sessions exploring the experiences of local soldiers.
North West Cultural Partnership extended its thanks to RAPID NI, Derry City and Strabane District Council, participating schools, historians, community organisations, performers and everyone who contributed to the project's success.
The War & Peace Project demonstrates how preserving our historical landmarks, combined with meaningful education, can help communities remember the past while building greater understanding for the future.