Conflict in the community will be tackled by Swindon students as part of a major project being launched in the town next week – the first of its kind in the South of England.
Swindon Borough Council and the national charity The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace have joined forces to train 96 students to champion positive change and resolve conflicts non-violently.
The schools and colleges taking part are Churchfields School, Ridgeway School, New College and Swindon College.
Students aged between 12 and 19 have already gained an understanding of the diverse culture within the community, including breaking down barriers between groups and dispelling myths about different community groups. They were also given tools and techniques in leadership and mediation which will enable them to help resolve issues such as anti-social behaviour and disputes in the classroom or playground, disagreements in the corridor, family disputes or negative terminology used by peers.
The council invited the charity to run the project in Swindon in response to the growing number of diverse cultures in the town.
Cllr Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Children Services, said: “Full marks must go to these young people who have taken on a huge responsibility on behalf of Swindon to promote peace and friendship and lead by example. They will help to resolve any issues or arguments before they spiral out of control. Not only is this a positive move for the town but they will be role models to other young people across the South of England.”
In preparation for the role, the students went on a week-long residential course, called the Leadership Development Programme, which is underpinned by an Open College Network accreditation.
The programme covered:
• Identifying and understanding conflict
• Examining the underlying causes of conflict and examining prejudice
• Discrimination and stereotyping.
During the residential course, students also undertook a variety of outdoor activities, team building, role play and interactive games, formal written work and discussion work.
Clare White, from the Foundation for Peace, said: "The foundation is increasingly being asked to provide bespoke programmes which help to tackle specific issues affecting our society today - racism, prejudice and violence within our communities. Part of what we do is empower the young and old within the community by providing them with skills and techniques to positively effect change. We have had a lot of success with this particular programme in differing cities within the United Kingdom."
Churchfields student Katie Paswal, said: "The residential course was really inspiring. There were videos, walking debates about taking sides and recreational activities. Most of the work was physical as we were put in situations where the techniques we learned were really put to the test. I learnt a lot of things about prejudice and discriminating against people based on their colour, race, religion, sex, appearance or actions. Now I can put this knowledge into practice if I hear anyone at school or in the community making unfair comments and this will hopefully make them think twice next time, and help to change negative attitudes overall.”
Each and every one of us has a story that is waiting and needs to be told.
For some the past is like a thorn in the side of one’s flesh, which if not treated, spreads poison maliciously throughout the body until the pain screams out from the head. The facts of the incident or incidents, may not be easily demonstrated or have a proven existence and for fear of being misunderstood or reprisal, the storyteller remains silent. The poison that spreads throughout the body is suffered and the pain used as a punishment for the increasing familiarity of guilt; silence results in the disintegration of self and alienation from others.
Nothing is more difficult than speaking of things that are neither demonstrable nor verifiable but The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace offers a safe environment where it is possible to speak-out.
The Storytelling Residential I attended helped me to take a step closer to making real the incidents and the memories that are the cause of my self-inflicted guilt.
Throughout the weekend all participants have space to tell their story without the fear and shame. There was no judgment by the other participants and by listening and sharing each other’s story, however humbling one’s own story is; the effect was one of individual and group strength. The desire to belong is possibly the common thread that had brought us together as a group; the need to share without recrimination.
For every one who fears to speak their story, there is at least one person who on hearing this will be strengthened and begin taking steps to tell their own story.
My story can be traced to events some thirty years ago and over this time my wound has festered making me unable to fulfil my responsibilities to myself and others. It took a work colleague to point out my abnormal behaviour before I admitted to having a problem: previously noticed and commented on over a couple of years by my wife, but dismissed by me.
With help from my NHS G.P. and the fortunate introduction to the surgery’s personal counsellor, I started to ‘come-out’ and speak-out the events of the past that were destroying my character.
I first heard about the work of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace some years before my problem surfaced, but was then reminded by contact with the Northern Ireland Veteran’s Association shortly after embarking on my journey to understand ‘who I am’.
I contacted the Foundation and needed little persuasion to join the ‘Storytelling Residential’. However as I was and to a large extent still am unable to tell my story to my wife, as with partners or close family – this is not abnormal, as the fear of telling one’s story may impact a sense of guilt, grief or misunderstanding on those who care for us – it took a little time before my wife would agree to accompany me. My argument to persuade her was that maybe by sharing my story at the residential I might begin to open the closed doors of my memory to her, I cannot say they are open but the doors are ajar.
I believe that her presence at the residential was of great benefit to others as well as me; in some ways perhaps her presence enabled others who were to speak in public for the first time to address themselves to her as a substitute carer.
I hope this course of action can be repeated by others because the carer’s story is significant in the healing process and they themselves despite being removed from the event take-on a role as a victim.
We both have a tremendous respect for the professional running of the residential and all those who organised and supervised. Perhaps their care, compassion and discipline resulted in the bonding of those taking part and even though individuals may have represented opposite sides of the divide of conflict the love or closeness among us was very evident.
The need for total anonymity of each other’s story was especially significant in individuals telling their story; this sense of security must be without compromise.
For myself I gained self-respect and a tremendous rush of energy after attending, for my wife she was exhausted but welcomed the experience and understood a greater sense of the difficulties of speaking-out to those in her role. Together we both felt great compassion and humility for everyone else and a rewarding sense of privilege to be a listener to others who are troubled as a result of conflict.
Once more I would like to express our thanks for the organisation and the dedicated team who administer the programme. If anyone should read this then I urge those who are similarly troubled by conflict to put their trust in the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace.
No one’s story is less significant than anyone else’s and the effects of guilt, the feeling of uselessness or the debilitating illness that afflicts us who directly or indirectly experience conflict need to be listened to.
Storytelling by itself cannot mend an individual but the process and the respect gained by the individuals’ account helps make concrete and balance what the memory might recall as unarguable.
Written by Farai Wande, Mica Rettie, Tommy Lao and Vicky Miller: "We had the pleasure of participating in one of the most worthwhile experiences of our lives. We took on the role of facilitators on a recent Foundation for Peace Leadership programme, helping our younger peers from school to develop new skills and understanding. After training on last year’s programme, we were proud to be able to be part of the programme, as Ambassadors for Peace - to work with people in their struggle against racism in both school and the community.
Being chosen as facilitators was a great achievement for us as we had been looking for opportunities to use our skills and understanding from the previous years’ programme. We seized upon the opportunity to become role models for our peers with the goal of helping the whole community and school to achieve equality and a peaceful inclusive environment.
As peer mentors on the programme, we tried to help as much as possible using the knowledge and skills that we developed. It wasn’t easy! Throughout the five days of residential, we all faced difficulties and challenges in order to get the best from the participants. At the start of the programme, the participants had a lack of knowledge of how to deal with discrimination and how to handle conflict. Using the best tools and resources available and with the support of a committed staff team (from the school and the Foundation!), the participants were learning. By the final day of the programme, it is safe to say that every young person left the centre inspired by what they had learnt and proud to be given the opportunity to tackle racism and conflict within our school.
The leadership programme has truly been the greatest experience of our lives so far. WE feel proud and lucky to have been able to take part in such a brilliant programme which has really helped transform our school from being a place full of conflict and fear, to one where happy students and a happy staff work in an environment where violence and conflict is no longer the norm!"
March 20th 2010 will mark the tenth anniversary of the opening of a Peace Centre built in memory of Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, both of whom lost their lives in the 1993 IRA bombing of Warrington which also injured 56 others.
Since then, the charity based at the Centre -The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace- has developed into a national charity providing conflict transformation programmes to young people and adults. It is also the only organisation in England providing opportunities for self development to victims and survivors of conflict and terrorism.
Chairman and Co-Founder Colin Parry said: “Looking back all those years ago it is barely credible that we could have achieved so much from such modest beginnings, when Wendy and I created the charity and ran it out of Tim’s then empty bedroom at home. We are both delighted that the Foundation’s boundaries now stretch much further than Warrington and Ireland. We’re helping communities and schools in other towns, cities and regions across the UK and in doing so we’re engaging in conflicts that present 21st century threats to this country.”
In recent years the Foundation has worked with young people to tackle key issues affecting society today – prejudice, discrimination and violence within our communities. Projects include tackling racism in a school in South Leeds post 7/7, working with young people involved in gangs and providing social inclusion programmes to schools working with children aged 5-7 to reduce aggression in the playground.
And the Foundation’s ‘Survivors for Peace’ programme, which works with victims and survivors of political violence and terrorism, has worked with over 200 participants and is networked through an EU funded programme working with 27 organisations from 6 countries. It is working with those affected by incidents such as the `Troubles`, 9/11, 7/7, military campaigns including Iraq & Afghanistan, and other terrorist attacks and conflicts around the world.
The Foundation’s team has worked with over 25,000 people since the Centre opened in 2000. Feedback from participants shows the Foundation’s programmes are making lasting changes in people’s lives:
“The programme has helped our school immensely in terms of building the foundations for unity among students. We needed this programme to help us become one school and a successful school that knows how to deal with conflict at the level we encountered. The best aspect of the programme is that we, the students, are learning skills that will not only help us in our local community but later in our lives. We are now more confident and able to deal with conflict and the procedures we need to know.” Asma Rehman aged 16.
The leadership programme has really helped to transform our school from being a place full of conflict and fear, to one where happy students and happy staff work in an environment where violence and conflict is no longer the norm.” Year 10 mentors
“I feel that I have made a contribution to society because my experiences with the Foundation have enabled me to reach out to others who are struggling to come to terms with terrorism.” Survivors for Peace participant.
“At last, relief can be found from meeting others with similar stories of violation, acts of violence and shattered lives. What a blessing it is to share healthy times and good mates in which the pain and trauma can be honoured along with fun and friendship.” Survivors for Peace participant
The Foundation’s work has been highlighted in two Government reports: the Commission for Integration and Cohesion’s: Our Shared Future, 2007 – a consultation on the role of education in community cohesion and DCLG’s ‘Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society – Two Years On’ report.
The need for the Foundation’s work is stronger than ever and supported by organisations across Europe:
“Providing positive action opportunities raises self esteem and helps survivors create meaning from their experience” Victim Support
“The opinion of victims has to be listened to. They are an essential part of the peace building process and without their involvement the proposed solutions will neither be fully legitimate nor long lasting.” Association for the Aid of Victims of 11 March, Madrid.
Clare White, Chief Executive, said: “We are one of the few organizations that are able to effectively and safely tackle key issues that are affecting our communities today. Our programmes are based on proven methodology and we have shown they are effective in changing people’s behaviours and attitudes. Much has been achieved in the first 10 years, but it is true to say that as we look towards the next 10 years there is still much to be done in terms of building relationships and transforming conflict between different communities in this and other countries.”
A partnership project between the Foundation for Peace and Warrington Wolves Foundation has been given the go ahead by the Big Lottery Fund.
The project will offer 60 young people from Warrington the opportunity to learn skills and knowledge to help make a positive impact within their local community.
Aimed at young people aged 13-18 years of age from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with potential to get involved in anti-social behaviour, it incorporates elements of conflict resolution, leadership, mediation and self awareness and identity, as well as practical skills in the areas of arts and culture, sport leadership and health and education.
The project offers a response to the negative publicity young people have received in the Town by enabling them to positively and publicly demonstrate their achievements. This will be done through community volunteering, public events and an annual conference.
Local businesses will be offered the opportunity to help mentor the young people through the planning and development of their community event.
The project will be led by the young people who will be able to use their newly acquired skills to develop and deliver community events. At the end of the two-year programme there will be a cohort of 60 young peer mentors and leaders, active within their community.
Speaking about the Big Lottery Fund announcement, Foundation for Peace Chief Executive, Clare White, said: “We are delighted that we have received funding for a longer-term project within our home town. Over the last few years there has been a greater demand for our work nationally. It’s great to finally get some funding to back our work locally. By joining forces with the Wolves Foundation we can deliver a really interesting and appealing project for young people to sign up to and make their own.”
Warrington Wolves Foundation Chief Executive, Neil Kelly, said: “"The Wolves Foundation is delighted to be working in partnership with the Foundation for Peace. By combining the expertise and strengths of the two charities, we will make a real difference to the lives of a group of young people that will ultimately benefit the town of Warrington."
From the 1st of August 2010, the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace will be CE Services’ charity partner for the following 12 months.
Mark Ralph, Managing Director of CE Services explained, “we are delighted to announce the Foundation for Peace as our charity partner, we have a long relationship with this organisation and are pleased to cement this by making them our inaugural charity partner. Everyone at the Foundation works so hard and we’re delighted to be able to help in our own small way”
The Foundation is delighted to be hosting 16 members of Combatants for Peace - a bi-national movement of Israelis and Palestinians who have put down their guns to engage in dialogue at the Peace Centre this month. The group will take part in workshops on Saturday, 24th July as part of a visit to the UK to promote a message of non-violence as a means of ending the occupation and helping to end the Middle East conflict.
There will be two workshops entitled Rainbow of Identities between 10am and 5.30pm and No Victory in Violence between 7.30-9.30pm.
The 16 members of the group comprise former members of the Israeli Army and Palestinian armed groups.
The UK tour, being hosted by the community arts organisation Encounters - www.encounters-arts.org.uk -in association with Amnesty International UK, will see the group staging theatrical events and running workshops based on their personal stories.
For further information about the workshops, please contact the Foundation office on 01925 581231 or info@foundation4peace.org
A radio clip featuring the Combatants for Peace group’s work can be found at: http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p008qhx1&ct=ga&cad=:s7:f1:v0:i1:lt:e0:p0:t1278668907:&cd=uFWsZ0Da2-4&usg=AFQjCNEEvhdrWvhjsZ0hbuVaGiq-OfzAvQ
the peace
centre | peace drive | warrington | cheshire | WA5 1HQ | Registered charity: 1048990
