What is 'New Day'? The 'New Day' Programme is a Peace and Reconciliation programme designed and delivered by Youthcom. It is a great programme for allowing young people to gain a better understanding of their identity, their faith and the community in which they belong.

This programme is a great tool for engaging with young people aged 15-18, and giving them a sense of identity and belonging. It is also designed for preparing young Catholics for peace building programmes and community relations initiatives with young people from diverse backgrounds. It can be used in schools, youth centres and churches, and can lead to other opportunities with Youthlink:NI.

New Day was established nearly ten years ago at a time when a shared future looked like a dream. Today the New Day programme deals with the reality of a shared future, and the challenges that brings. As the island of Ireland becomes more and more diverse and multicultural, it is important that our young people develop mutual respect and understanding. Christ first called us to love our neighbours as he has loved us! A shared future means a New Day!

The New Day Programme is an 8 session youth project that explores the issues young people face in Northern Ireland around identity, faith and culture. It is also known as a single identity programme that prepares young people for community relations work and other initiatives with people from different backgrounds

New Day aims to:

• engage young people in exploring and articulating who they are, within a safe environment;
• affirm a young person's confidence in their individual identity, culture and faith;
• create a sense of belonging and to encourage participation;
• enable young people to engage with people from a different cultural or religious background with confidence.

If you, or your Church youth group, School or youth centre are interested in taking part in the 'New Day' Programme, contact Youthcom as soon as possible so we can arrange to get it set up in your area.

Please contact Youthcom for more information or to find out if the New Day Programme is currently being delivered in your area.

contact joe: Telephone 028 (90232432) or email joemckeown@youthcom.org

All those interested in future New Day Facilitator Training should get in contact with Youthcom.