Ebrington initiative part of European Youth Capital bid

Ebrington's '˜Amazing the Space' initiative has been highlighted during a celebration of the role of young people in making peace.
Oonagh McGillion, Derry City and Strabane District Councils Director of Legacy,  addresses the Amazing the Space event. INLS 39-750-CONOonagh McGillion, Derry City and Strabane District Councils Director of Legacy,  addresses the Amazing the Space event. INLS 39-750-CON
Oonagh McGillion, Derry City and Strabane District Councils Director of Legacy, addresses the Amazing the Space event. INLS 39-750-CON

Oonagh McGillion, Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Director of Legacy, has urged thousands of young people from across Northern Ireland to take ownership of the local bid to be European Youth Capital (EYC) for 2019.

She was speaking at the ‘Amazing the Space’ event in the Eikon Exhibition Centre at the Maze / Long Kesh site in Lisburn which drew a crowd of over 3,500 students.

The local council area has been shortlisted as one of five finalists in the running for the prestigious EYC title and the ‘Amazing the Space’ initiative will play a key role in their bid.

“We are looking forward to working with the young people involved with this incredible project that has touched the hearts and minds of so many people,” she told the assembled audience and thousands more watching online.

“They will direct how the ‘Amazing the Space’ project can be embedded into the EYC19 programme.

“The energy and commitment from everyone present was palpable with a real sense of excitement that this energy will become a permanent feature of our work together.”

In June of this year ‘Amazing the Space’ was officially launched by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Mayor, Alderman Hilary McClintock, at Ebrington.

Peace pledges written by pupils from local primary and secondary level schools, which tell of their hope for peace were unveiled at the event, which included performances of music, drama and visual arts from local talent.

There was also International contributions, arranged through a range of partners including Generation Global, The Global Peace Foundation and The United Nations.