Last week saw Strabane’s Alley Theatre and the Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey present a dramatic theatrical conclusion for this summer’s Border Youth Drama Project. Presented to packed audiences in both venues, this groundbreaking arts scheme, supported by IFI (International Fund For Ireland), has been exploring various themes of diversity, peace and reconciliation over the summer holidays, culminating in a stage performance of song, music, comedy and drama.
“Border Youth is now a firmly established success story in the North West, bringing together over 40 young people from Donegal and Tyrone in a collaborative project that leaves a lasting legacy of theatre skills and friendship between young participants in the border areas” commented Kieran Quinn, Chairman of the Balor DCA. “During the project children have learnt how to socially mix with each other, explore new skills and gained a new found confidence in themselves which they can now use throughout their lives. As the course has progressed I have personally seen how well the young people have mixed as a group and this has developed a new sense of friendship and respect across the borders, which would not have been possible if it had not been for this wonderful summer project.”
“I would like to personally congratulate the International Fund For Ireland for supporting this hardworking project, which we know is making a real difference to the lives of young people living in the border areas” concluded the Balor DCA Chairman.
“The summer has just been awesome, I have really enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing if I can do it again next year” exclaimed Caoimhne Quinn, one of the young people taking part in Border Youth, on the dedicated Border Youth Facebook page. “I’ve made loads of new friends and I know we will keep in touch”. Border Youth has utilized every possible communication tool to ensure students were kept informed before, during and after the project. Social media tools including a podcast recording, dedicated Facebook page and website were all utilized to engage the young people on the scheme.
Winston Patterson, board member of the International Fund for Ireland, stated “I am delighted with the very professional way in which the Border Youth event was organised. It was very evident from the performances in both pieces of theatre that an enormous amount of thought and work had gone into the summer camp in preparation for both shows. The sensitive treatment of the themes of respect, diversity and reconciliation was impressive and a true measure of the success of the programme so far.”
Strabane District Chairperson, Cllr Michaela Boyle commented at the final night of the scheme, “Over 5 weeks ago these young people did not know each other. In fact many of the young people would not have even traveled to their respective home areas of Strabane or Ballybofey. However through the medium of the arts, the actors you see on the stage have achieved far, far more than putting together an evening of drama and song. This group has developed friendships that will last into adulthood, increased their understanding of other communities and found new levels of confidence in themselves. The reach of this scheme is not confined to the walls of this venue and the students taking part. This year has literally seen the world invited to find out more about Border Youth via a dedicated web site page, Facebook site and a podcast. I must congratulate IFI and everyone involved in developing this unique project, which has allowed everyone to see what great work is being produced by the young people in the North West.”