by iNews
Share
by iNews
Share
By Olivia McAteeer
Derry and Strabane has become the first area in Northern Ireland and only the second in the UK to be officially recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly Community.
This acknowledges the district’s progress in embedding children’s rights across local services, policy and community life. It follows a seven-year partnership between Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the Education Authority Youth Service and the Youth Justice Agency.
The announcement was made at a ceremony in the Guildhall, where Mayor Ruairí McHugh described it as a momentous day for young people in the region.
“This sends a clear message to all our children and young people that they should feel safe, heard and nurtured, and that their rights are respected by everyone,” Mr McHugh said.
UNICEF UK’s Programme Director for Child Friendly Cities and Communities, Naomi Danquah, praised the district’s “impressive child rights infrastructure” and its commitment to long-term change.
Youth representative Kian Hawes from the North West Ministry of Youth said the recognition ensuredyoung people’s voices were “not just spoken for but listened to.”
The award marks a milestone in a global UNICEF initiative that now reaches over 30 million children in nearly 50 countries. Derry and Strabane’s success reflects its focus on six priority areas, including safety, health, participation and equality.
A community celebration is planned for World Children’s Day on November 20 at the Foyle Arena. More details of the area’s seven-year journey are available at derrystrabane.com/unicef.
Related Posts
By Henry Robinson NWRC journalism student and Derry City FC fanatic Niall O’Doherty has vowed not to cut his hair until his beloved Candy Stripes win three games in-a-row. The Derry City supporter took his inspiration from fellow football fan Frank Ilett, a Manchester United supporter, who pioneered the challenge on TikTok by refusing to
By Jason Le Masurier A Halloween family fun run/walk is being organised as part of the 30th anniversary of Derry’s Children-in Crossfire charity. The family-centred event on Saturday October31, starting at 10am,, will raise funds to support vulnerable children in Tanzania and Ethopia. Richard Moore, chief executive of Children in Crossfire, said
By Jason Le Masurier The Alley Theatre in Strabane is organising a colourful programme of workshops for children, families and adults, during the autumn at Strabane Library. From October through to December, the programme offers something for all ages and interests, from traditional crafts and upcycling to animation, ceramics, creative journaling, and festive making. Whether
By Henry Robinson Almost half of all households in Northern Ireland don’t have a dishwasher, according to newly released figures. In the latest water usage survey, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency has revealed that 43 per cent of households in Northern Ireland didn’t own a dishwasher, while only 18 per cent of households used
