This is a collaborative initiative, funded through the Reconciliation Fund at the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (Ireland), that aims to build a strong civil society that encompasses all communities. It has initiated and supported intercommunity links within NI, within the border area of the Republic of Ireland, and on a cross-border basis.
The cross-border Circle of Learning project is an innovative project which aims to develop capacity in groups from border areas and build relationships across communities. The project engages established hubs to facilitate the delivery of bespoke community development training, provide networking opportunities, and mentor lower capacity groups. Cooperation Ireland are the project managers, and the Confederation of Community Groups are one of four hubs involved with the project, the other hubs being Dundalk Youth Centre, County Armagh Community Development, and the Blayney Blades (Castleblayney).
This project is particularly relevant in the context of the UK’s departure from the European Union, which has led to polarized perceptions of the Protocol and reminds us of the need for a strong, civil society.
The overarching objectives of the project are rooted in the thematic pillars of ‘repairing’ and ‘building’. That is, to ‘repair’ those issues which lead to division & conflict, presenting barriers to a reconciled and peaceful society; and to work towards ‘building’ a strong, civil society that encompasses all communities, through the continued implantation of the Agreements and promotion of a rights-based society with political stability and respect for all. These aims are integral to the overall work of the Confederation of Community Groups, and we are proud to have been involved with this project over the past number of years.
To help achieve progress on the objectives of the project, each hub recruits four groups who will work closely with their hub, receiving community development and mentoring support to help build capacity and skills within their members. Each group is supported to complete a baseline audit and then develop an action plan and identify timebound targets and objectives within the same; they are also supported to develop local social action projects which are funded as part of the overall delivery, provided they complement the pillars of reconciliation.
A key strength of this project lies within the networking and study visit opportunities which are facilitated as part of the delivery. Each hub hosts their own study visits, showcasing different groups and areas, aiming to create new opportunities for engagement and dialogue outside of local geographic areas, fostering a civil society that encompasses all communities.
Over the past five years we have been able to engage many groups in this project, these have included:
This year we were delighted to work with the following groups:
The feedback from all groups involved has been positive as everyone enjoyed and benefited from their involvement in the project, gaining valuable skills, building capacity and increasing community networks of connections. We would like to thank our partners at the other hubs and Patricia Hughes at Cooperation Ireland for her management of the overall project.
