A Derry community group has vented their frustration after emerged that the funding would be cut to what they say is an important summer programme for children.
The Greater Shantallow Community Arts, which is based in the Skeoge Industrial Estate, said they were "shocked" to learn that the Education Authority had cut the Summer Jam Funding Programme.
Last year, the community arts group hosted over 600 children and an additional almost 100 youth volunteers in an amazing five-week programme of creative learning, social development and fun-filled skills development throughout last summer.
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However, a spokesperson for the EA told MyDerry that funding granted last year was a "one-off" and that other "significant resources" would be available across the summer months.
They said: “The Summer Funding made available to organisations last year was a one-off specific intervention supported by the Minister for Education and the Department of Education (DE) and was based on the evidence supplied by Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill, to support the recovery from COVID.
"The aim of the funding was to support the re-engagement of children and young people back into educational services (schools and youth), which occurred in September last year, and to support the re-establishment of their social networks. At the launch of this funding DE stated that this was additional funding secured by the Minister for one year only, namely 2021.
"To ensure children and young people remain supported through youth work, our Youth Service is administering significant resources across the summer months to the community and voluntary sector.
"This includes the continuation of Local Area based funding to target the assessed needs identified within Local Youth Development Plans, as well as Planned Intervention and the TBUC Camp programmes funded by The Executive office.”
Ollie Green, Greater Shantallow Community Arts, said the response by the EA would be "deeply disappointing" for families in Derry.
"The need for our innovative children and young peoples Summer Jam Programme was reinforced by the fact that all 600 places were filled in a matter of hours on the day we opened for registration," he said.
"As a registered voluntary youth club, we do not receive a single penny of core costs support from the EA Youth Services and rely solely on project funding to deliver our programmes.
"Last year was the first time we had received the Super Regional Camp funding and we were so grateful for the opportunity to provide that much-needed support to children from across the North West."
He added: "I am sure that I don't have to tell you the hardships communities such as ours are facing in the months ahead and the severe economic crisis that many families are now facing.
"Last year's Super Regional Camp Summer Jam provided a vital boost for many families who faced a whole summer of not being able to give their children the fun and creative experiences they would wish.
"This year things will be equally as difficult for families and I would plead with you all to please support us in bringing what we know will be a wonderful, joyous and life-enhancing experience to children that need this the most.
"We would ask all our service users, families and friends to lobby all our political representatives to fight for this service to be continued for our children."
Aontu councillor, Emmet Doyle called for the funding decision to be reversed.
He said: “I made contact with the Education Authority yesterday as soon as I was made aware of this decision. Last summer over 600 young people and over 100 volunteers took part in this highly successful programme and it is unacceptable that the EA would drop it for this year. They must reverse their decision and find the funding for this programme.”
Alliance councillor Rachel Ferguson also called for the funding programme to continue for this summer.
"Summer jam was an amazing program and should not be deemed a one-off," said Cllr Ferguson
"I’ve contacted the [Education] Authority asking them to reconsider or to help identify how we can keep this programme running."
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