Youth group aims to combat racism

Youngsters from differing religious, ethnic and social backgrounds are being brought together in Belfast in a new scheme aimed at tackling racism, it was revealed today.

Racism has become rife south of the city with loyalist paramilitaries targeting, especially, members of the Chinese community.

In a bid to build new attitudes from the young up, a charity is bringing more than 50 children from differing ethnic, religious, educational and socio-economic backgrounds together to discuss issues affecting them.

The Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) has set up the weekly meetings, starting on Tuesday, at which young adults will act as mentors to children aged between 11 and 14.

YES said that at each session the children will “explore different themes to enhance their understanding of the world around them and tackle issues facing them like racism or bullying”.

Mentor Ryan Moffett said: “It is important to address concerns young people have about racism and bullying.

“I think it is great the children have trained mentors, who are just a few years older than them, to turn to.

“What is different about YES compared to other youth groups is that it is completely run by young people for young people.”

Through the medium of mentoring, university students and young professionals will act as positive role models in listening to and encouraging the children.

The charity seeks to enable participants to take an active role in society with the aim of promoting positive change and leadership in Northern Ireland.

The first meeting comes after a week in which a sinister new racist campaign was revealed in the Donegall Pass area of south Belfast.

Leaflets were distributed around the predominantly Protestant district urging people to resist a so-called “yellow invasion”.

At the same time it was revealed that two thirds of Chinese families had been forced out of the area by loyalist thugs.

Assembly member David Ervine, leader of the Progressive Unionist Party which speaks for the paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force, admitted on Friday that certain people in the UVF were responsible for the racism.

Mr Ervine said it was unclear whether the UVF involvement had been approved by the local leadership, but said it could have a huge impact on his party’s relationship with the paramilitary group.

“We can’t stand on the same ground as those who are avowed racists,” he said.