Rural Respecting Difference Programme Celebrates Achievements

On Wednesday 8 December Early Years and National Childhood Network, funders, and training recipients associated with the Rural Respecting Difference Programme (RRDP) joined together, with a number of other invited guests, virtually to mark the closure of the project and celebrate a range of successes and outcomes delivered.

The project, launched in 2018, was supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). RRDP was awarded £1,224,045.08 under the PEACE IV Programme for Building Positive Relations.

This project, specifically aimed at rural pre-schools, daycares and after-schools settings, across Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland, involved a comprehensive training, resource, workshop and ongoing support package and was based on the internationally recognised Media Initiative for Children (MIFC) Respecting Difference Programme.

It sought to contribute towards a peaceful and stable society through the promotion of reconciliation, diversity, social and emotional development and respect for difference outcomes within rural early childhood settings by engaging directly with children aged between 2 and 12 years, their parents and carers, and staff, leaders and management committees associated with the vital early childhood development services being provided.

Over the course of the programme, 77 early years settings and 2,227 children aged 2 to 12 participated, with 152 practitioners building their capacity regarding the delivery of good relations activities.

Early Years - the organisation for young children, implemented the project in partnership with National Childhood Network on a cross-border basis, with project delivery support on elements of the programme from Rural Action.

First Minister Givan said: “The Executive is committed to building a shared future for all our people and I would like to congratulate Early Years in partnership with the National Childhood Network for the successful delivery of The Rural Respecting Difference Programme, as part of the PEACE IV programme. The positive outcomes it has achieved will make a lasting contribution towards the creation of the shared, inclusive and prosperous community we all want.

“This programme has had a hugely positive impact on the lives of over 2,200 young children, their parents and practitioners which will help us as we strive toward a more united community.”

Junior Minister Kearney said: “The Rural Respecting Difference Programme has made a real difference to all involved. I congratulate everyone who helped deliver the programme during these challenging times, and all the participants for their commitment to creating a more open, tolerant and inclusive society.

“Programmes such as this are key to the success of the Executive’s Together: Building a United Community strategy. Every individual project plays a part in contributing to deliver the wider goal of creating a truly united and shared society – and this project has played a key role in that delivery.”

Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Joe O Brien TD, said: “I would like to congratulate all involved in the Rural Respecting Difference PEACE IV project which was specifically aimed at those not currently benefitting from other shared educational schemes. I am delighted that my Department of Rural and Community Development was able to support this important project which was approved funding under the EU PEACE IV programme.

“This impressive project was based on learnings from the Media Initiative for Children Respecting Difference Programme that involved specially created persona puppets and addressed the identified challenges of rural isolation, segregation and marginalisation that are still evident in society.

“I have no doubt that the workings of this cross border partnership will continue to support change in attitudes and behaviour towards others, which will benefit everyone involved in the future.”

Speaking about the importance of the project, Gina McIntyre, CEO of the SEUPB, said: “As a direct result of our shared past, social segregation exists within many small rural communities; it is not just confined to cities and major towns. In many instances those living within rural settings have existed side-by-side with neighbours of a different background or culture without ever having come into meaningful contact with them.

“This is particularly true for children, many of whom are educated solely with those of a similar background and have little or no opportunity to mix with a different culture. The EU’s PEACE IV Programme has been designed to help address these issues of segregation and the mistrust which it creates.

“The Rural Respecting Difference Programme is an excellent example of this and through its use of sensitive and insightful training has benefited thousands of children and a large number of early years practitioners to help build their capacity for good relations and create a more cohesive and confident society.”

Commenting on the event and project, Pauline Walmsley, CEO of Early Years, said: “Although the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the last number of months having been particularly challenging, the clear, continued commitment and dedication shown by the children, families and staff who participated in the Rural Respecting Difference Programme, throughout the duration of the project, is to be highly commended. It is reflective of the age and developmentally appropriate approaches used with children aged 2 to 12 years across the project.”

“This event gives us an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous successes and lasting positive impacts on educational, social and emotional, physical and shared learning developmental outcome areas that the Rural Respecting Difference Programme has had on the children, families and staff who took part in the programme within the rural communities to which they form a vital part of reconciliation efforts.”

“Early Years is proud to have been involved in the Programme and express our sincere thanks to the families, settings, partners, funders and respective Government departmental representatives who have both joined and supported us in this journey.”

For more information on the project please contact: info@early-years.org

Further information on Early Years - the organisation for young children, can be accessed at: https://www.early-years.org

Further information on the National Childhood Network can be accessed at: https://www.ncn.ie

Further information on Rural Action can be accessed at: https://ruralaction.co

For more information on the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, please contact John McCandless, Communications Manager with the SEUPB via mob. 07841 367052 or email: john.mccandless@seupb.eu

- ENDS

Notes to editors:

The SEUPB

  • The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland.

  • It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA which are designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.

  • The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG VA, Western Scotland.

  • The PEACE IV Programme has a value of €270 million and aims to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.

  • For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu

A downloadable version of this release can be accessed here.

Craig Calvert