North Belfast Sinn Féin MLAs Gerry Kelly and Carál Ní Chuilín have given their support to a summer scheme in the New Lodge aimed at encouraging local children to stay away from interface flashpoints.
Organised by Tar Isteach in Hillman Street, Sinn Féin councillor and youth worker Tierna Cunningham said the summer was shaping up really well despite the weather.
“We've been running now for nearly two weeks and it's been really good craic so far,” said Tierna.
“The kids work hard all year long with us and in school, and this is an opportunity for them to have fun. We took them to W5 the other day and we're going on a banana boat soon as well. And if the weather's dry we'll take them up Cave Hill. It’s all good fun with exercise thrown in, which is great.”
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said the Tar Isteach youth group has produced several successes already.
“They've been involved in graffiti removal schemes as well as anti-sectarian and anti-racism projects like the mural dedicated to Rosa Parks and another condemning attacks on our emergency services.
“It's about respect for themselves and respect for the community they come from. There are 2,500 young people under the age of 25 here in the New Lodge and it’s only a small minority involved at the interfaces. That's where diversionary programmes need to continue and need to be funded,” said Carál.
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