Call for Local Schools to Seize the ‘OpportUNITY’

Entry for primary and secondary schools is now open for the 2024 Good Relations Week Poster Design Competition.

The Community Relations Council, together with the Education Authority, is inviting primary and secondary school students across the region to get involved in this year’s Poster Design Competition for Good Relations Week 2024.

The theme for Good Relations Week 2024 is ‘OpportUNITY‘ and focuses on highlighting the power of new beginnings, collaboration and transformative action to deliver positive community relations and promote cultural diversity across the region.

The Poster Design Competition sets out to encourage 4 – 14-year-olds to creatively express how their schools embrace ‘OpportUNITY’ and the power of new beginnings.

Students can use words, drawings or photographs to design a unique A4 poster that represents this year’s theme. Pupils can submit posters individually, in groups or as a classroom project before the deadline of 3pm on Friday 28th June.

Good Relations Week 2024 is running from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd September with an anticipated programme of over 200 cross-community and multi-cultural events across the region.

The anticipated mix of workshops, theatre productions, exhibitions, debates and musical performances will aim to demonstrate the strength of communities working together to break down barriers and seize opportunities to make a difference by promoting peace and understanding.

Through this creative poster design competition, students will have the ‘OpportUNITY’ to win special prizes and all posted submitted will be displayed at the Community Relations Council’s Signature Event during Good Relations Week.

Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, said: “We believe bringing young people together with creative activities is a key way of nurturing positive community relations and creating lasting community bonds.

“That is why we are encouraging local primary and secondary schools across the region to get involved in our Poster Design Competition, to showcase how their school embraces ‘OpportUNITY’ and the power of new beginnings.”

Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, added: “Following the success of our previous Poster Design Competitions, we are delighted to continue to foster good relations efforts with local schools.

“This competition not only allows students to express their creativity but encourages them to think about the importance of coming together and building a brighter and more inclusive future for all.”

Jayne Simms, School Improvement Professional at Education Authority, said: “Getting involved in our Poster Design Competition is a fantastic way to take part in Good Relations Week and engage with this year’s theme.

“Not only will student be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes, but all posters will be on display at the Community Relations Council’s Signature Event during Good Relations Week in September.

“I look forward to seeing the entries from our students and encourage both primary and secondary schools to get involved!”

Individuals or their schools can submit entries via email to: grw24@asgandpartners.com or post to: c/0 Good Relations Week 2024 Primary School Design Competition, Anderson House, Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 2GU.

Deadline for submissions is Friday 28th June 2024 at 3pm.