PEACE Academy: Connecting Youth Cultures

The Rio Ferdinand Foundation, together with a host of community partners, are delivering a three year PEACE Academy programme provide development opportunities for young people in Sligo and Belfast, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)  https://www.seupb.eu/

This new three-year programme aims to deliver and evidence a PEACE Academy pathway of engagement, learning, social action and employability that will inspire young people from communities in Northern Ireland and Ireland to create shared experiences and build a long-term response to sectarianism, racism and hate on a cross-community and cross-border basis.

The programme, led by Rio Ferdinand Foundation, is powered by a host of partners across both regions, including Glentoran FC, Sligo Rovers FC, Sirocco Works FC, World United, 5th Element NI, West Sligo Family Resource Centre, Street Soccer NI, St Malachys Youth Centre as well as the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI), An Garda Síochána, the National Black Police Association (NBPA), Centre for Democracy and Peace Building as well as Warner Music Group.

Together, we will work with young people aged 14-21 to offer weekly sessions, monthly engagement and progression events, and a platform of opportunities to unlock the potential of the next generation.