Young people in Northern Ireland are pretty hopeful about breaking down community barriers, but they’re not holding their breath for it to happen anytime soon, according to some new research. The folks at think tank Pivotal have found that the younger generation believes that greater integration is more of a long-term goal that will benefit future generations rather than themselves. They’re all about investing in youth services that encourage young people to mix and mingle regularly, hoping that this will pave the way for a more integrated future with the right leadership in place.
The report, titled Achieving greater integration in Northern Ireland: young people’s voices, is hot off the press and is based on chit-chats with young folks from various parts of the region. This study follows up on a previous paper from Pivotal that dropped in March, focusing on segregation in schools and housing, and how the two are connected. Both reports shine a light on the persistent divisions in schools and communities, emphasizing the need for a reality check on what can actually be achieved given the many other issues facing the Executive and communities in general.
The participants in this research believe that Northern Ireland’s segregated school system is a big part of the problem, with the compulsory religious education being a major sticking point for many young people. While there is support for integrated education, it’s not a magic fix for all the social division going on. Young people also stress that integration isn’t just about the usual green vs. orange divide but also includes concerns about bullying based on skin color or cultural differences. Some of these youngins’ attend events on both St Patrick’s Day and the Twelfth of July, but they’re not entirely convinced about how inclusive these celebrations really are. Ann Watt, director of Pivotal, thinks that the young folks in the study are very tuned in to the divided society they live in and how it has shaped their own experiences. She believes that there’s a strong push for more integration and understanding between different communities, beyond the usual sectarian lines.
The research also highlights the need for fresh leadership and a new vision for achieving a more integrated society. Young people are looking for more investment in raising awareness about different cultures and religions, focusing on learning together about what makes each community unique. While many have participated in cross-community events, they’re not entirely sold on whether these events have a lasting impact. They believe that regular opportunities for mixing and mingling locally are the key to breaking down barriers and building friendships across different backgrounds. This suggests that investing in local youth services and creating more shared spaces, along with better public transport in rural areas, could make a real difference right now. The report is based on conversations with 48 young people aged 15-25 years within five focus groups held between September and November 2024 in Belfast, Londonderry, Enniskillen, and South Armagh.
So, yeah, the young people in Northern Ireland are all about breaking down barriers and building bridges between communities, even if they’re not too confident about it happening anytime soon. But hey, they’re optimistic about the future and are pushing for more integration and understanding. Who knows, maybe with the right leadership and some fresh ideas, they might just get there someday.
