Week-long programme of activities to suit every age and taste

The inaugural Riverine Autumn School 2012, a week long diverse programme of highly interesting free admission events, was formally launched today by Cllr. Frank McBrearty, Mayor of Donegal at the Eclipse Cinema Lifford today, jointly hosted by Donegal County Council and Strabane District Council.

The Riverine Autumn School is funded by the International Fund for Ireland as part of its overall commitment to the Reconciliation through the Riverine Project, to help promote youth and community participation in the project.

Speaking at the launch, Winston Patterson, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, said that the Riverine Autumn School was the first of many interesting and exciting community engagement programmes under the Reconciliation through the Riverine Project that are designed to build positive cross-community and cross-border relationships.  “The Autumn School 2012 will focus on sharing and promoting new thinking, perspectives and knowledge on peace-building and reconciliation through an array of events spanning the arts, literature, heritage, fishing, writing music – and even an Afternoon Tea Dance!  There is truly something for everyone, young and old, and I hope the communities of Strabane, Lifford and their wider hinterland areas explore and enjoy the week long programme together in this shared space”.

Project Coordinator Eamonn Browne said:  “The programme offers a diverse range of events which will appeal to the wider community in the greater Strabane and Lifford area. The Autumn School aims to bring people together through participatory events and create a sense of place by improving their knowledge and understanding of the local area. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local groups involved and the International Fund for Ireland for their support in this the inaugural Riverine Autumn School.”

Funding of over €1 million has been provided by the International Fund for Ireland for the second and third strands of the overall Reconciliation through the Riverine Project to help deliver youth and community participation in the programme. This will contribute to the overall development of the shared space to ensure local ownership and strengthen relationships between communities.

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