Ulidia Training receives £228,867 to continue its work.
Seventeen projects across Northern Ireland and the southern border counties have received £3,074,086/ €3,473,717 to deliver peace and reconciliation initiatives.
The funding from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) enables peacebuilding efforts within some of the most marginalised communities who continue to live with the long-term impact of The Troubles.
The latest allocations will offer critical support at a grassroots level as many face the realities of austerity cuts and increasingpolarization within communities.
Funding has been awarded across the Peace Impact Programme (PIP), Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP) and Communities in Partnership Programme (CIPP).
Ulidia Training in Ballymoney will use its funding for 24 months to work with groups including former combatants, key influencers, and community stakeholders in North Antrim, County Derry/Londonderry, County Tyrone and areas within County Fermanagh. The aim of the project is the mitigation of violence in the area of interest, empowerment, and to explore a road map for a peaceful transition.
IFI Chair Paddy Harte says the support is vital in the current climate; “Projects are working against an incredibly challenging backdrop with recent funding cuts across the community sector and ongoing political instability both threatening to undo the progress that has been made in recent times.
“Communities are struggling with identity and cultureissues alongside the legacy of The Troubles. Unfortunately, this vacuum provides an opportunity for paramilitary influence, recruitment of young people and anti-socialbehaviour.
“The IFI is committed to supporting those who need interventions most and we are one of the few organisationswho are prepared to take those risks and reach those who have yet to receive direct benefit from the Peace Process.”
