Over 160 participants in the ‘Beyond Beliefs’ computer skills training programme celebrated their successful completion of the course as they received their certificates at an event in the Lisdoo Arms, Dundalk today.

The ‘Beyond Beliefs Data’ project uses the neutral territory of IT training, with a particular focus on multi-media skills, to foster reconciliation among the Nationalist communities of Dundalk and the Unionist community of The Shankhill, Belfast, and also between local Catholic and Protestant communities in Dundalk.   The project, led by the Louth Leader Partnership, was developed by Le Chéile CDP and Áit na nDaoine CDP, representing the DATA network of Dundalk.

In addition to delivering valuable multi-media skills training, the project includes a significant cross-border, cross-community element through engagement with community representatives in the Vine Centre in the Shankhill, Belfast.   Participants in both communities made reciprocal visits for workshops providing opportunities to explore and discuss their beliefs and the impacts, both positive and negative, that these beliefs can have on their communities and the wider community.

Belinda McGurk, Project Co-Ordinator said that the Beyond Beliefs Data project had made a significant contribution to the local communities of Dundalk and Belfast and in promoting cross-community engagement.  “The main aim of the project set out to acknowledge the past and support participants on a cross border basis in addressing prejudice and intolerance to build trust.  Many participants both from the Protestant and Catholic areas between Dundalk and Belfast shared the same view that if they had not taken part in this project they would never have had the opportunity to see each other’s cultures and traditions. This could not have been achieved without the support of the International Fund for Ireland, and on behalf of everyone involved, a huge thanks to the Fund.

Speaking at the event, Breandán Ó Caollaí, Joint Director General of the IFI, said:  “This is a project that the Fund was very pleased to support because it complements the Fund’s strategy of promoting reconciliation and integration designed to achieve a truly shared and sustainable future for all on the island of Ireland.  The ‘Beyond Beliefs Data’ project has been a resounding success since it commenced in 2010 and has been over-subscribed for much of that time.  I am pleased to say that earlier this year, the Fund announced it will provide additional funding to extend the project through to the end of 2013.   This new funding will enable a further 160 people to participate in the course over the next eighteen months.

Mr Ó Caollaí also expressed a collective thanks to the international donors who have supported the work of the International Fund for Ireland for more than twenty-five years: namely the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

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