Rural Respecting Difference Programme (RRDP)

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RRDP will be delivered by a cross border tri-partnership involving RDC, Early Years and National Childhood Network (NCN). RRDP builds upon a previous pilot initiative funded under Peace III (032247). The PPE for this project substantiated the need for this type of intervention particularly in rural areas. It builds on the lessons learned through this pilot and applies the approach in 80 settings across Northern Ireland and the border counties. It seeks to address the identified need to tackle the particular challenges of rural segregation, marginalisation and isolation within rural non formal settings not benefitting from other shared education schemes or from the pilot initiative. This is particularly important as the majority of children, mainly in rural areas, are educated solely with those of a similar background which is then reinforced by a continued segregated rural living environment. Statistics would indicate that over 80% of people living in rural areas are segregated along religious lines. The key objective is to change attitudes through the implementation of a model which has a proven, evidence based track record. Section 1 of this application outlines the contribution of the project to the results and outputs of the Peace IV Programme. It confirms RRDP will deliver: 1 regional project implemented by a cross border partnership supported by a cross border advisory group represented of relevant key stakeholders. Training to 100 day care staff, leaders and assistants from 80 rural non-formal settings in the Rural Respecting Difference Programme. Engagement of 2,000 3 to 12 year olds in the Rural Respecting Difference Programme to help support the development of positive attitudes and behaviours to those who are different. A programme of awareness and good relations to 800 parents. 4 follow-up support visits to each educational setting trained (320 in total) to expand on the training and to address any difficulties that practitioners may be experiencing. Tailored good relations training to Management Committees/Management from each setting. A Good Relations Action Plan per setting. Each setting to participate in at least 1 cross community/border shared activity in support of sustained and meaningful contact. 3 Good Relations Seminars within a rural and early years context will be delivered offering opportunity for cross community, cross border interaction. Review and update the persona puppets/characters to further develop the application of the Media Initiative method to take account of changing community compositions or emerging issues with particular attention on minority groups and groups who traditionally have been marginalised in society. The key and direct beneficiaries will be children aged 3 to 12 years; their parents, staff and Management Committees.

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