Creating Inclusive Spaces Where Every Young Person Belongs
Equality and Diversity is at the heart of all youth work at Diverse Youth NI. Our dedicated Equality and Diversity Programme empowers young people aged 11 to 25 to explore identity, challenge prejudice, build cross-community relationships and develop the confidence to stand up for fairness and inclusion in their everyday lives.
Northern Ireland is becoming increasingly diverse, and young people are leading the way in shaping an inclusive future. This programme gives them the tools, platforms and support to do exactly that.
What the Programme Is About
The Equality and Diversity Programme helps young people to:
Understand their own identity and culture
Develop empathy and respect for others
Explore experiences of racism, discrimination and inequality
Build confidence to challenge harmful attitudes
Strengthen cross-cultural and cross-community friendships
Promote equality and human rights within their schools and communities
Our sessions use youth-friendly, interactive methods that create safe spaces for open conversation.
Who This Programme Supports
Young people aged 11 to 25 who:
Come from minority ethnic, multicultural or newcomer backgrounds
Want to better understand diversity and inclusion
Are navigating identity, belonging and representation
Have experienced or witnessed discrimination
Want to become youth ambassadors for equality and positive social change
The programme is open to all young people regardless of background or experience.
What Young People Learn
- Identity and Self-Awareness
Sessions that explore culture, heritage, belonging and the complexity of growing up in a changing Northern Ireland.
- Rights and Equality Education
Workshops on equality law, human rights, anti-racism, disability inclusion, gender equality and more, delivered in accessible youth-work formats.
- Tackling Prejudice and Hate
Interactive activities that help young people understand stereotyping, bias, hate crime and how to intervene safely and responsibly.
- Intercultural Dialogue
Structured conversations, storytelling and cultural exchange activities that strengthen understanding across differences.
- Youth Leadership and Advocacy
Opportunities to take part in campaigns, speak at events and advocate for more inclusive policies at school and community levels.
- Creative Expression
Arts, media and digital storytelling projects that allow young people to express their experiences and ideas for a fairer society.
What the Programme Includes
Weekly Equality & Diversity Workshops
Fun and engaging sessions facilitated by trained youth workers, using games, discussions and creative methods.
Campaign and Advocacy Projects
Young people design and lead campaigns on anti-racism, belonging, inclusion and youth rights, such as:
The “No Room For Hate” campaign
Youth-led social action projects
Equality-themed podcasts and digital storytelling
Cultural Exchange Events
Opportunities to celebrate food, traditions, arts and heritage from across the world while deepening cross-community connections.
Partnership Learning
Sessions run in collaboration with civic leaders, educators, community organisations and human rights advocates.
Youth Leadership Pathways
Young people can progress to YELP, join youth panels or participate in citywide equality initiatives.
Why Equality and Diversity Work Matters
Young people involved in this programme often show:
Greater confidence in their identity
More positive cross-community relationships
Increased awareness of rights and social issues
Improved ability to challenge discrimination
Higher civic engagement and leadership
A stronger sense of belonging and purpose
This work supports the creation of a more inclusive Northern Ireland where difference is valued and all young people feel safe and respected.
Get Involved
Parents, guardians, schools and young people can contact us to learn more or join the programme.
Email: info@diverseyouthni.com
We welcome new participants throughout the year.
