'Taking the Next Step' programme launched for rural Derry youth

RAPID have recently launched their ‘Taking the Next Step’ programme, an initiative designed to provide vital support to rural young people residing in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area as they transition from primary to secondary education.

This programme is funded through the PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan and falls under the 'Thriving and Peaceful Communities' theme.

The ‘Taking the Next Step’ programme is designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural
young people during this phase of their educational journey. By focusing on the development of
essential life skills, the programme aims to ensure that students are well-prepared for the transition
to secondary education.

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It will cover a broad spectrum of topics crucial for personal growth and adaptation, including risk-taking behaviours, emotional intelligence, resilience, effective communication, self-regulation, health management, identity formation and principles of peace and reconciliation.

In collaboration with partners such as Children in Crossfire and the Verbal Arts Centre, the
programme is structured to offer support over a two-year period.

This initiative is designed to reach more than 200 rural students who are in their final year of primary school, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate their transition successfully.

RAPID is enthusiastic about the opportunity to extend this valuable programme to all 28 rural
primary schools within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

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By doing so, the programme will support the students and their school communities; enhancing the student’s emotional health and contributing to their overall well-being.

The ‘Taking the Next Step’ programme is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed
by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North
South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland
and the border counties of Ireland.

PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The total value of PEACEPLUS is €1.14 billion.

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.