Coiste Summer School heads for South Armagh

Coiste na nIarchimí, the umbrella organisation for republican ex-prisoners, will host its annual summer school this year from 16-18 August in the Tí Chulainn Cultural and Heritage Centre, Mullaghbawn, Co Armagh. The event has been organised under the Coiste Processes of Nation Building (PNB) Project. The overall theme for the three days will be; "Cherishing the children of the nation equally." The theme of children was selected to highlight the equality at the core of the1916 Proclamation ninety years ago and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Hunger Strike in 1981 when Bobby Sands made his oft quoted comment "Our revenge will be the laughter of our children".

Speaking on behalf of Coiste republican ex-prisoner Rosie McCorley said: "Young people demanded their civil rights in the 1960s and in the three decades that followed it was mainly young people who filled the prisons. Those people today are working for a better future for the next generation with a hope that they don't have to go through what we all endured."

Representatives from diverse groups like community relations, human rights, ethnic minorities, youth and civil rights will speak at the event, along with loyalist and republican ex-prisoners and Sinn Féin representatives. The discussion starts at 2pm Wednesday afternoon and the focus will be on "The future we give our children". " Thursday's proceedings start at 10am on "Children of the '60s" and in the afternoon,

" Children of the conflict - a generation imprisoned" . The final panel will sit on Friday morning to discuss "a new generation - following tradition or breaking new ground".

The Coiste summer school is an annual event and has been very successful over the years. South Armagh has been selected as a venue because of the relaxed and scenic setting. There will be entertainment each evening after the day's discussion. The Coiste welcomes attendance from and all sectors of society and new faces will be very welcome.

Limited accommodation is available at Tí Chulainn Cultural Centre at £20 a day including breakfast. Anyone wishing to book should contact the Coiste office as soon as possible.

o For further information and bookings contact: Coiste na nIarchimí at: North of Ireland (028) 90200770 and South of Ireland (04890) 200770. Email [email protected]