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Derry 2020 - The shape of things to come?

Story added by yourcityyoursay, 25 February 2010

“Cobwebs on the door of the dole”

Emmett Gallagher, St.Columb’s College

“Our city as we know it will have blossomed into an economic goldmine with opportunities pouring from the sky. . . In my future, people have a stronger work ethic, take pride in their own work and earn their own living. Benefits will be another one of those things in the past. People will take initiative in their work, hold their head high and will take every risk in order to start their own businesses from scratch. . . When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened. Let’s make it happen!”

Beauty from the ashes

Emma Arbuckle, Oakgrove Integrated College

“I want it to be a gem of the world community, where people come not just to wonder at the conflict that tore us apart, but to see beauty that grew from the ashes. . . what makes a city is people. If we can take away the fear that is instilled in the people of this city, it will indeed be a wonderful place to be. . . where an area isn’t defined by the colour of the kerbstones or the flags flying, rather by the amazing facilities within it.”

We need to believe in ourselves

Michaela Duffy, St. Cecilia’s College

“We need a culture that encourages, even insists, upon creativity and risk taking, that heralds entrepreneurs and that applauds success. That process should start at school. What we need are enthusiastic learners limited only by their imaginations. Learners who are encouraged to be creative, to think differently, and not just in performing arts subjects, but in science, maths and geography. We need to free up our young people from learning for an examination and allow them to develop the skills they, and their city, actually need. . . we have the most incredible city. We need to start believing it, talking a language of creativity and inspiration, but most importantly of self belief.”

“I hope our city will dazzle in 2020”

Jonathon McBay, St. Peter’s High School

“I think its vital that there is a wide range of academic and vocational options at 14-16. I would love to see our city spruced up and opened up in its many features i.e. Shipquay Street and the Riverfront and the Craft Village have to be revamped and transformed to showcase our city to others – there needs to be more business, café-life and attractions with expanded use to encourage visitors. We need to be a city of more ‘Bling’.”

“A wonderful place to live”

Ruth Matthewson, Lumen Christi College

“Since 2010, the City of Derry airport at Eglinton has been expanded and it is now possible to fly directly from Derry to the USA, Spain, Italy, Sweden, France and all major holiday destinations. This has resulted in an increase in tourism not only in to Derry, but from Derry to other countries. Currently, the percentage of people unemployed has reached its lowest ever. 95% of the current population are either working or in full time education. Unemployment has fallen considerably in the past ten years, due to many new companies, seeing Derry as an opportunity for business and investment. . . following on from the successful Project Kelvin implementation, the super telecommunication link means that the best IT companies in the world have chosen to locate here, for example Microsoft and Google.”

“My city has it all”

Lauren January, Lisneal College

In 2020 my city will have it all. “State of the art buildings, 1st class accommodation, a vibrant nightlife, a range of great restaurants to suit every budget, cinemas, refurbished sports complexes and brilliant shopping centres to rival any UK city and not to mention a safe and friendly environment. . . I have no worries for the future prospects for my children. The city has turned over for the better. No longer is it unsafe to walk the streets at night, no longer do students feel the need to study elsewhere, no longer do people have to leave home in search of work, no longer are people divided by ignorance over religion.”

“My hopes and dreams for 2020”

Gavin barr, Belmount House Special School

“Students will want to come from all over the world to study here and there will be opportunities for people with learning difficulties to attend university. The factories we had will be replaced by firms doing technological research and computing jobs. The factories we had will be replaced by firms doing technological research and computing jobs. . . To protect the environment a new electric tram system will operate from the Guildhall to the suburbs of the city. Electric cars will have replaced the family petrol car.”

“A thriving and energetic city”

Aoife Monaghan, Thorhill College

“It’s the year 2020 and I am twenty seven years old, living in Derry as it is a growing, thriving and energetic city, very different from the city I grew up in. . . Derry is now a large university city, with an ever growing student population due to our recently opened medical faculty, attracting aspiring doctors from all over Europe. Our university is also a recognised centre of excellence in digital technology, which has attracted many global, leading edge industries to locate here. . . it is now a city that I and the rest of the citizens are proud to call home and it is finally the town I love so well.”

Comments (2)

Cobwebs on the doors of the dole? Great line! Would love to see it!

nicky mcf 01 March 2010

Congratulations to the young people who took part they did the city proud

Ryan the beat machine 01 March 2010

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Your Say! Your opportunity to comment and blog

Derry 2020 - The shape of things to come?

Story added by yourcityyoursay, 25 February 2010

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