The Housing Executive

The whirlwind tours take the children on a journey around the city touching on all the major events, including the arrival of Columcille, the Plantation of Ulster, the Siege of Derry, emigration, the industrial era of shipbuilding and shirt making, the city’s role in World War Two, the troubles and the peace process, right through to current redevelopment and looking forward to the City of Culture.

The tours, led by Michael Cooper and Derry Blue Badge Tours, aim to let Junior Wardens see their city as visiting tourists would, highlighting the important historical and cultural landmarks and ongoing regeneration.  Many children are taken to parts of the city they have never been before, with the aim of instilling a new sense of pride in their home city.

Our Social Education Officer Patrick Duddy  said:  “The tours play a vital role in the Junior Warden Project and give the children a chance to see what a great city they live in and encourages them to look after it.”

The Junior Warden Scheme aims to encourage young people to take ownership of their surroundings and become more responsible and committed to making their community a safer and cleaner place to live.

The project receives funding from the Derry Community Safety Partnership, and is being run in a number of Primary Schools throughout the city including St Pauls, Steelstown, Newbuildings, Greenhaw, Holy Family, Holy Child, Long Tower, The Model, Ebrington and Sacred Heart.  Junior Warden activities include designing anti social behaviour awareness posters, tree planting, local clean ups and a photography project.