The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is devoted to peacebuilding and reconciliation in Ireland, North and South, Great Britain and beyond. The organisation's programmes build peace and foster reconciliation by facilitating dialogues, creating peace education resources, and much more. Glencree offers a safe and neutral space, extensive facilities and the support of its membership, staff and volunteers to all who are interested in the building of peace and the management and transformation of conflict. Their current work is characterised by three areas of activity: reconciliation and dialogue within and between Ireland and Great Britain, managing and promoting integration in Ireland, and international peacebuilding.
Sustainable Peace Project
Sustainable Peace is a cross-community programme which aims to bring participants together in a wild and natural environment in South Africa. The idea emerged from the success of South African peacebuilding initiatives that were conducted in the same way. The project brings together ex-prisoners, police and army officers, victims, community leaders and business people.
The visits include exposure to South Africa’s political transition and the socio-economic inequalities arising from Apartheid. A central feature is a shared wilderness experience, facilitated by the Wilderness Leadership School. For a few days former enemies walk together in a place of unspoilt beauty, cross crocodile-infested rivers, sleep on the ground, and protect each other while on guard duty against dangerous animals. The friendship that grows out of this experience echoes similar results achieved with employing wilderness to bring South African ex-combatants together.
Peace Education
Glencree offers learning opportunities about peacebuilding and reconciliation to primary, secondary schools and youth groups. Young people visiting Glencree explore their understanding of themselves, others, and their relationship to communities at local, national and global levels. Peace education is given through a series of one-day or two-day programmes. Workshop activities connect to the Education Curriculum at levels appropriate to the age and subject range of each group.
