Building a Culture of Peace Together

Peace Education Project 

Launch event | Friday 20 March @ Olympia Leisure Centre, Belfast

4 schools came together to participate in and celebrate the Peace Education Project which was formally launched by Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly.

The Northern Ireland Peace Education project seeks to provide educators with the tools and resources to provide peace education in schools focusing on the unique experiences of both local and newcomer children in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the legacy of the Troubles continues to influence social dynamics, making it imperative to address issues of identity, diversity, and conflict resolution in educational settings.   The programme explores how educators can create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity while promoting shared values of respect, empathy, and understanding.

The programme is being run out as a pilot across 4 schools in Northern Ireland; St Louis Grammar, Ballymena; Donegal Primary School, Mitchell House School and Sunnylands Primary School, Belfast.  St Marys University College and Stranmillis University College are also involved, to complete an action research piece on the programme.

The initiative was inspired by a group of master’s students who visited Washington D.C engaging with the Institute of Peace with a four-day programme at James Madison University focused on peace education. This experience highlighted the urgent need for peace education in Northern Ireland’s schools, not only to address the historical differences related to religion but also to promote equality and empathy amidst the ongoing diversity within our community.

Speaking at the event Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly said

I am delighted to be here today to help launch and celebrate the Peace Education Project.  This project gives our young people the language to recognise conflict and gives tools for conflict resolution.

Mr D Stringer, VP, Donegall Road Primary School

The project seeks to empower young people to become confident peacemakers, reduce incidents of conflict and bullying, and support a calmer, safer learning environment. The project also aims to strengthen connections with the wider community by creating shared opportunities to promote peace education. By involving families, local organisations, and community partners, we hope to build a broader culture of respect, understanding, and positive relationships beyond the school.

The programme has been supported financially and in kind by 4 Housing Associations (Radius, APEX, Woven and ARK Housing) through the Housing for All Programme. 

The Peace Education Programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.

The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.

Radius, Clanmill, Ark and Woven Housing Associations currently have 46 shared housing developments across Northern Ireland. Through the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme Radius, Clanmil, Ark and Woven work in partnership with local advisory group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver good relations plans for the area. This includes Bridging events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include Education and Training events and programmes.