Good Relations- Promoting Good Relations

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council joins local groups and organisations in celebrating Good Relations Week every year by embracing the ‘OpportUNiTY’ to host a wide range of cross-community and cultural events as part of the annual celebration.

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‘OpportUNITY’  is a call to action to create a brighter, inclusive future for all. ‘OpportUNITY’ is a collective moment for us all to UNITE and be architects of change in helping build a region where every voice matters. By showcasing the dynamism, creativity and dedication of local groups, organisations and individuals we can spotlight the transformative power of working together to address challenges such as sectarianism, racism, inequality, health and well-being, poverty and education.

A highlight of some of this years programmes organised to promote Good Relations in our community.

Omagh Churches Forum

Omagh Churches Forum delivered a workshop  featuring Rev. Karen Campbell, Good Relations Officer with the Irish Council of Churches (ICC). The session focused on the recent ICC publication, “From Every Nation.” A Handbook for a Congregation’s Journey from “Welcome to Belonging.” This resource aims to equip churches with insights into diversity and inclusion, supporting local congregations in enhancing inclusion and advancing racial justice through faith.

The handbook aligns with the week’s emphasis on fostering unity and understanding across different communities. The handbook is available to download for free at irishchurches.org/belonging.

Fermanagh Churches Forum

Fermanagh Churches Forum held a schools conference with over 65 pupils from 5 post primary schools.  The theme was intergenerational exploration on working towards an inclusive community which respect differences- Building “CommUNITY”

Speaker Rev. Greg Alexander,  Darling Street Methodist Church introduced the conference which was followed by interactive discussion groups, action points, feedback, responses, and a final plenary discussion.

International Cultural Cinema Night

International Cultural Cinema Night showcasing two thought provoking films.
A letter to Lia
A creative rumination on the identity of children growing up in a changing Northern Ireland from the starting point of the filmmaker’s own daughter. The focus is on a young girl, Lia, born long after the Good Friday Agreement, who questions what does the conflict mean to immigrants who have chosen to live in Northern Ireland the Good Friday.
 
The Breadwinner
In the 1990s, author and activist Deborah Ellis travelled to Pakistan to help people in Afghan refugee camps. During that time, she began to interview and record the stories of women in the camps. These stories became the basis and inspiration for the 2017 animated film The Breadwinner.

Sounds Sacred

Our Music NI delivered two events to celebrate local culture and diversity with ‘Sounds Scared’  and a recording of ‘Celebrating Good Relations’, which is available on the Council’s YouTube channel. Both events featured local artists performing a variety of music, poetry and prose. This project is focused on Celebrating Good Relations through showcasing local Cultural achievements by exploring the songs, poems and prose emanating from the FODC Council Area. The project brought together a creative talent from across the community, across the age groups and across our geographical area.
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