A new cross community project for young people across Fermanagh will be created following a funding injection of £200,000 from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI).
This week, the IFI announced £2.6 million support for 18 community projects, including Fermanagh Rural Community Initiative, which will receive £200,180 through the Personal Youth Development Programme.
The new good relations project will be called Fermanagh Youth Development and it will provide a range of training opportunities for 24 young people across Enniskillen, Ballinamallard, Kesh, Irvinestown and Lisnaskea over a two-year period.
The project will assist young people to take better control of their lives and overcome adversity by providing opportunities to build resilience and self-confidence and improve education and employment prospects.
Other programmes across Northern Ireland will receive funding for projects aimed at addressing difficult issues linked to the legacy of conflict and engaging with people who are at risk attack or recruitment by armed groups.
The funding was approved at the IFI’s recent Board Meeting in County Antrim.
Commenting on the announcement Dr. Adrian Johnston, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “Despite political turbulence, community groups are continuing to take risks and develop bold and ambitious solutions to sensitive issues. Ground-breaking projects, like the 18 receiving support today, are giving young people dynamic new options that reduce the potential for sectarianism and the influence of armed groups. Communities have grown stronger and more stable as a result. 
“The Fund is acutely aware of the impact that political uncertainty has on society, particularly in areas that have yet to realise a direct dividend from the Peace Process. Our assistance is enabling many communities to remain resilient to polarisation, but there must be a stronger consolidation of the community and political journeys. It is vital that community ambition is met by equal political will if a sustainable Peace Process is to be realised.” He took the opportunity to thank the donors to the Fund - the European Union and the Governments of the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand - for their support.