News & Views

This event focused on fostering cross-border and cross-community relations and collaborative peacebuilding efforts.

The TLL Programme, funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and delivered in partnership with NICVA and The Wheel, is a pioneering initiative aimed at developing the next generation of community peacebuilding leaders in Northern Ireland and the Southern Border Counties. Over the past 12 months, nine organizations—seven from Northern Ireland and two from the Southern Border Counties—have participated in this custom-made succession development programme.

At the event Paddy Harte, Chair of the International Fund for Ireland spoke of the importance of the grass-roots community peacebuilding work that the funded organisations attending were involved in and how it has long-lasting impact improving lives and strengthening communities. He emphasised the real need for building relationships and the simple value of showing kindness. He explained that the first step was to understand ourselves better so that we could reach out and understand others.

Fergal O’Donnell, Galbally Community Centre Trustee, also a participant in the TLL programme, shared the development journey of their organisation and described the range of initiatives they deliver to to promote peace building, tackle rural poverty, address social isolation and reduce health inequalities.

Amina Moustafa, Women’s Leadership Programme Manager at the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation spoke of their role supporting women from across the island of Ireland who have been affected by political and violent conflict. She invited all attending to the All-Island Women’s Peacebuilding Network which connects, builds meaningful relationships and collaboration on shared concerns and interests.

In addition, the event celebrated the fourteen community leaders who successfully completed their ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management as part of the programme and were awarded their certificates at the event.

Participants have attended three key networking events throughout the year, with the first held in Monaghan in March, the second in Enniskillen in June, and the final event in Galbally on 10 October. These gatherings have provided over twenty community leaders with opportunities to discuss the future of peacebuilding and to establish cross-community and cross-border collaborations

Through a combination of training, facilitation, networking events, and development opportunities, the TLL Programme equips current and future leaders with the skills needed to drive local community development. The programme invests in development initiatives, develops current and new leaders, and improves succession planning.

The TLL Programme represents a significant step forward in supporting and developing community leaders dedicated to peacebuilding and collaborative efforts across Northern Ireland and the Southern Border Counties.

Celine McStravick NICVA CEO said: “NICVA and our partners The Wheel are proud of the achievements on this IFI funded programme and the positive impact it has had on community leaders. The investment has seen new and current leaders gain skills and confidence to lead their communities through challenging times and work collaboratively towards a peaceful future. NICVA and The Wheel will continue to work with these leaders and others across the sector to equip them to impact their communities.”

Paddy Harte, Chair of the IFI added: “A key element of the Transforming Local Leadership programme is supporting the development of the next generation of community peace building leaders. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the essential role that community leaders play in fostering peaceful and inclusive societies and provides an opportunity to look ahead to the future and to the next stage of peacebuilding. The International Fund for Ireland recognises that if we are to continue to lead peacebuilding into the future then we have to invest in people and communities. This must include building local capacity and leadership which is also the essence of everyday peacebuilding.”