The challenges facing young people today cross the divide of the border on the island of Ireland, according to a youth manifesto which was launched by Politics in Action in partnership with two border schools in Armagh and Donegal.

The initiative forms part of a project funded by the International Fund for Ireland through their Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP) and aims to develop strong and mutually beneficial relationships between Loreto Community School in Milford, Co Donegal and Portadown College, Co Armagh in partnership with Politics in Action.

The project works with 40 young sixth formers (20 from each area), their schools, parents, and local communities, cultivating positive leadership, activism, and critical thinking skills with the young people who come from a broad diverse background.

This engagement has culminated in the young people involved developing and delivering a cross-border youth manifesto which highlights key issues that young people in these areas are facing, including racism / sectarianism, climate change, equality, mental health, future prospects.  The youth manifesto is aimed to be a legacy piece for the project which will facilitate continued cross-border relations between them.

A key contribution from the students in the manifesto states that,

‘We are only 90 miles from each other on different sides of a border, but we have learnt that we face and care about many of the same issues. Regardless of our sense of nationality, political identity, or religious tradition (or none of the above!) the problems we face are the same. We invite you to work with us toward better solutions.’

Board member of the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), Avila Kilmurray said,

“This manifesto demonstrates one very clear theme, no matter what side of the border young people live, they are dealing with many of the same challenges. This project demonstrates the power of collaboration and partnership between young people, using their engagement with each other and their respective communities to highlight key issues they face and just as important, identify creative ideas and solutions for cross border partnership in addressing these issues.

“The collaboration was facilitated through funding by the IFI’s Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP) received by Politics in Action who recognised the opportunities there were in bringing not only these two schools together but the two towns and their communities.

“The IFI’s Communities in Partnership Programme is focused on embedding lasting relationships on a cross-border basis by supporting cooperation and innovation between groups and organisations North and South on projects that have a meaningful benefit for local communities.”

The manifesto highlighted three key aeras that were of particular focus for young people on both sides of the border: youth participation, mental health and social media, and social deprivation and drug abuse.

Politics in Action identified Loreto Community School Milford and Portadown College as key partners through their involvement in an exploratory piece of work conducted by Politics in Action called the North South Civic Action programme throughout 2021. 

Paul Smyth, Executive Director at Politics in Action added,

“We have loved watching how the young people in this project have grown through the experience, becoming more confident and able to deal with difficult and challenging issues and developing meaningful friendships with their friends across the border.  The project is building understanding and appreciation of the complex issues we face if we are to commit ourselves to building a better peace.”

In 2022, the IFI funded Politics in Action (PIA) for an initial period of one year (£99,574) for a project aimed at delivering a 12-month cross border project in the areas of Portadown and Milford.

Key activities within the delivery of this programme include 12 facilitated sessions, dialogue and debate on contentious issues, expert speakers, civic dialogue, site visits to each participant community, presentations to the Northern Ireland Assembly and Dáil Eireann, residential focussing on leadership/activism training.