€80,000 PEACEPLUS Programme Launched Today in Glenties District

UPDATE: The new €80,000 PEACEPLUS Programme, titled “Belonging Across Boundaries, Stories to Connect,” has just been launched in the Glenties Municipal District. This initiative, spearheaded by Customer Service Excellence Ireland (CSEI) and backed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), aims to foster mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities, running from October 2025 to September 2026.

This program is crucial as it seeks to bridge cultural gaps and promote inclusivity at a time when community cohesion is more vital than ever. Engaging over 115 participants from both sides of the border, the initiative will focus on storytelling as a powerful tool for peace and reconciliation.

Key activities include interactive workshops, panel discussions, and community-led events designed to spark empathy and dialogue. A notable feature will be a series of storytelling workshops involving 80 young people from Glenties, where participants will develop their skills in digital and verbal storytelling, particularly through podcasting. This focus on young immigrants and marginalized voices is pivotal in promoting a shared narrative.

The PEACEPLUS Programme also introduces an innovative strand called “Open Water, Open Minds,” which explores eco-therapy through open water swimming. In this unique collaboration, 30 swimmers from Na Gleannta will join forces with a swimming group from Dunmurry, Belfast, to share personal stories and foster connections through the healing power of water.

At the launch, Sally Rodgers, Project Co-Ordinator for CSEI, stated, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the wider Glenties Municipal District and Customer Service Excellence Ireland. We are proud to be part of this initiative.”

Additionally, Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, emphasized the program’s potential to bridge cultural divides, stating, “This innovative programme is rooted in the belief that telling and listening to stories lies at the heart of lasting peace and reconciliation.”

The immediate impact of this initiative cannot be overstated. By promoting creative expression and cultural exchange, it not only strengthens cross-community ties but also lays the foundation for an inclusive future in Donegal, fostering a community where every voice is valued.

As this story unfolds, community members and stakeholders are encouraged to participate and engage with the programme, which reflects a deep commitment to healing and understanding across borders.

For more information about the PEACEPLUS Programme, reach out to the Customer Service Excellence Ireland at [email protected].

Stay tuned for further updates on this transformative initiative as it progresses.