Building on the success of the original hIsTory Links project, a collaborative project developed by the Lifford/Clonleigh Resource Centre, Co. Donegal Vocational Educational Committee and North West Regional College, and delivered in East Donegal and West Tyrone, a new two year project based on the same model, has now been launched this week at the Balor Arts Theatre in Ballybofey.  To be known as the ‘hIsTory Links II’ project, the programme will engage with 10 cross-community and cross-border hubs in Inishowen, Co. Donegal and Limavady, Co. Derry / Londonderry, to promote reconciliation by linking the past and present through the exploration of local history using Information Communications Technology (ICT).

The €250,000 project is primarily being funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) under its Building Foundations’ Community Based Economic and Social Regeneration Programme.  The new project was officially launched by Minister of State, Dinny McGinley TD.    

Over 100 participants from both traditions on both sides of the border, are now earmarked to be engaged in the programme, in which they will each explore the history and culture of their own area and share their respective histories before, during and after the troubles.  This will primarily be carried out through the construction of a community website that allows each community to publish their own content online.  There will also be a discussion forum that will allow all participants to interact with each other.

A secondary aim is that through the digital technology medium, participants will gain key skills and competencies that will support their own individual development.  The focus on history and culture will be supported by the use of ICT and the development of information and digital technology skills and competencies that will support the building of an e-bridge between and within communities.

Although the aim is to establish a website, Project Coordinators for hIsTory Links II have indicated that already plans are being made to produce booklets, brochures, walking tours, plays and music, so there is something for everyone on this project.

Speaking at the launch, Paddy Harte Jnr., Senior Development Officer for the International Fund for Ireland said: “This is an innovative and exciting project which uses information and communications technology to promote reconciliation through the exploration of local history.  

“Over the past two years, I have witnessed first hand the major impact the hIsTory Links programme of activity has had in bringing communities together.  Having already proved its value in East Donegal and West Tyrone, I am absolutely delighted to see that the Project is now been extended to reach out to include key communities from Inishowen and Limavady District and I am very confident of the positive impact it will make for all participants, their families and for the wider community.”

Mr Paddy Harte also expressed a collective thanks to the international donors who have supported the work of the International Fund for Ireland for almost twenty-five years: namely, the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Annie May Harte, Chairperson of Lifford/Clonleigh Resource Centre said: “Lifford/Clonleigh Resource Centre is delighted to, once again, receive funding from the International Fund for Ireland.  We have benefited greatly from the hIsTory Links Project and are delighted to be able to help the Inishowen and Limavady areas avail of this excellent programme over the next two years. We wish them well with it and hope they enjoy it as much as we did.”

The participating community hubs involved in the project will comprise five groups from Inishowen and Limavady respectively as follows:
Inishowen Area – Colgan Hall Committee, Carndonagh; Moville Family Resource Centre; St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre; Muff Community Association and West Inishowen Historical Society, Buncrana.
Limavady District – Ardunariff Historical and Cultural Society; Dromboughil Community Association; Glenshane Community Development Ltd; Gelvin Community Association and Greysteel Community Association.    

This week’s launch of the hIsTory Links II project also coincided with the launch of the ‘Them were the Days’ book.  The book was produced by participants from the earlier hIsTory Links Project, which was recently completed by participants living in East Donegal and West Tyrone.  ‘Them were the Days’ is a collection of short stories written by people from these two local neighbouring regions.  The stories centre around childhood memories, work and leisure, themes which we can all relate to, regardless of where, when or how we all grew up.  The book was officially launched by Joe Mahon, TV presenter on UTV’s ‘Lesser Spotted Ulster’ and is a follow on publication to the popular ‘Straight from the Horse’s Mouth’ book that was published earlier this year by participants on the first hIsTory Links project.

Dr. Eileen Moore Quinn, Associate Professor of Anthropology at the College of Charleston, South Carolina, USA, has spent the last two years researching the hIsTory Links Project and found it to be a model of peace-building that is worthy of note and use internationally.  In her assessment, she has highlighted the importance of people’s own personal stories and the need for trust to be built before they may be shared.  Commenting on the unique aspect of the hIsTory Links Project, she noted that “it took individuals at face value and looked for what we share in common rather than what divides us.”

The launch of both the hIsTory Links II project and the book in the Balor Arts Centre had over 200 attendees, comprising local dignitaries, community leaders, special guests, members of the local education bodies, project participants, together with members of the public.