The New Day Programme was formally launched by Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern TD in All Saints Youth Centre, Ballymena, on Wednesday 20 November. The launch was attended by young people from schools in Ballymena who are participating in the New Day Programme. They were joined by Bishop Donal McKeown; Monsignor Sean Connolly, Parish Priest; Alderman PJ McAvoy, Deputy Mayor; Mr Declan O'Loan, North Antrim MLA; Mr Brian Gibson, Chair of Youthcom; members of the Management Committee of All Saints Youth Centre, along with full-time youth workers and friends of Youthcom from around the diocese.

Mr Ahern commended the New Day programme as a valuable way for young people to explore the sectarianism that is within us all, often very well covered up, but revealed with just a little scratching of the surface. As well as sharing with the young people his own memories of the early years of "The Troubles", he encouraged those present to use such memories not as way of being imprisoned by the past, but as a means of giving them energy and commitment for the work of reconciliation and peace building.

Brian McKee, Director of Youthcom, thanked the Minister and all those who attended, and encouraged in particular the New Day group which has just begun in All Saints Youth Centre.

If you are interested in finding out more about the New Day Programme contact us at Youthcom.

Click here to view photos of the event.