Building new citizenship

learning from change in Derry/Londonderry

A case study supporting citizenship education at KS3

We share common experiences of citizenship with people in different parts of the world. One of the key ideas behind this pack is that learning from experiences of citizenship elsewhere, we can better understand our own citizenship. The more so in places where debates about the citizenship have a post-conflict dynamic, places like South Africa for example ... and Northern Ireland.

Derry / Londonderry ... for many people the name is synonymous with past images of conflict and division in Northern Ireland. At the time of this project in 2001 the City was seeking to heal the divisions of the past and to build a positive future.

This desire was set against a backdrop of change and new opportunities. The Peace Process, a new Northern Ireland Assembly, devolution, change in Europe and globalisation were all factors with influence. People from all sectors were actively seeking to 'build a new sense of citizenship' in "stroke city" - Derry / Londonderry.

The pack explores themes of identity, sustainable development and participation. The activities are based upon a premise of commonality: that we share experiences of citizenship with others in the world, and exploring these experiences can enhance our own understanding and awareness.