On Saturday 4th February, over 20 young people (aged 12-17) from West Belfast took part in a Video Diary and workshops describing the issues affecting youth in their community.
At the event, which took place in St Paul's Primary School in Beechmount, the young people completed a number of workshops covering issues such as participation, health, education, employment and safety. An innovative video produced in 2005 by the Participatory Democracy Project, entitled 'Generation X', was shown to and sparked off discussion among the young people on how conditions had changed in their community over the previous seven years.
Niall Enright, Operational Manager with Greater Falls Integrated Services for Children & Young People, and attendee of PPR’s inaugural Tools for Action Summer School, in August 2011 said :
"It is clear from tonight’s session that many of the issues, inequalities and social differentials that have historically faced young people from West Belfast remain fundamentally unaltered, there also remains huge barriers to young people’s full participation in the decision making processes that impact on their lives. But its also clear that the young people from the area have a huge appetite for change and are willing to get actively involved in campaigning and organising for this now. This event helps to kick start this process''
Inez McCormack, PPR founder, said:
"Following the Tools for Action School, PPR has been working to support other marginalised groups and communities to begin using PPR’s approach across the island. The strong desire for change expressed by these young people is being echoed across other communities experiencing exclusion. Patterns of economic and social inequality will not change unless the voices of those excluded from existing decision-making processes are brought centre stage. PPR are honoured to be able to lend our experience, tools, networks, and support to West Belfast youth.”