Annual Report 2006

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation

Annual Report 2006

Committed to peacebuilding and reconciliation within and between communities The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is supported by:

The Department of Foreign Affairs Aqua Fire Prevention Irish Aid Arthur Cox The International Fund for Ireland AXA Insurance The Ireland Funds Bombardier Foundation The Office of Public Works CPL Recruitment The Office of the First and Diageo Ireland Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Eircom Wicklow County Council G&T Crampton FÁS Grafton Recruitment The European Programme for Peace and HR Holfeld Group Reconciliation (Border Action) Interface Ireland Ltd. Investor Select Advisors Embassy of Australia King Tree Services Ltd. Embassy of Great Britain LM Ericsson Embassy of the United States of America Merrill Lynch Embassy of Switzerland Microsoft Embassy of the Netherlands O2 Ireland Embassy of Pakistan Parc Group Embassy of Germany Paul Martin Communications Embassy of Israel Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare General Delegation of Palestine RTE Embassy of India Russell Court Hotel Embassy of South Africa Siemens Ltd Embassy of Austria Silentnight Group Ireland Embassy of Canada Superquinn Embassy of Finland Tilestyle Ltd TV3 The International Women’s Club of Ireland Ulster Bank Global Volunteers Vodafone The Canadian Irish Friendship Society Whirlpool The Atlantic Philanthropies The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust Women’s World Day of Prayer Contents

Welcome from the Chairman 2

Report from the Chief Executive 3

Peace Education Programme 4

Education Development at Glencree 5

Political Programme 6

International Programme 8

Churches Programme 10

Survivors and Former Combatants Programme 12

Women’s Programme 14

The Business Club 15

Glencree Centre Activity 16

Company Information 18

Financial Statements 19

Glencree Staff 21

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 1 Welcome from the Glencree Chairman Jonathan Murphy

I was honoured to take up the post of Chairman • The organisation became a registered FETAC of the Council in November 2006, having been centre so it can deliver internationally Honorary Treasurer of Glencree for many years. recognised awards I am also delighted that my predecessor, Paddy Crean is still on the council as past chair. His During 2006 progress was slow on the political wealth of experience is invaluable to Glencree, front, with a sense that movement could be made having acted as a wonderful steward of the on age old points of contention between the organisation over the past few years, guiding the parties. Fresh negotiations at St. Andrews lead to Council through a period of enormous change, a transitional Stormont Assembly being installed, including a Strategic Review and the creation of and as the year drew to a close, hope of a lasting the Strategic Plan, which sets out a vision for agreement was high. As we now know this has Glencree to 2010. The year 2006 was the first year now become a wonderful reality. Glencree can towards this strategic plan and the organisation is take great comfort that it contributed along with making good progress against the plan although many others to make this dream become a reality. not quite at the same optimistic pace as set out in the plan. Here at Glencree, away from the drama of political life, our work continued to expand and bring ever It is only when you join the council you begin to more people together from across the divides of realise the amount of work that is achieved at politics, community and cultures. We look Glencree and the contribution that all its forward to an expansion of our programme stakeholders make. The organisation owes its initiatives during 2007, and to the next stage success to programme participants, all categories of our exciting journey. of members, all the voluntary council members who give freely of their time and to the team of I am delighted to present the Annual Report of staff and volunteers, without whom Glencree the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation would not be the great organisation, it is today. for 2006. As chair of the Council I would like to express my deepest thanks to everyone for your contribution.

2006 was an extremely busy year with progress Jonathan Murphy being made on a number of issues:

• A review of our corporate governance was Jonathan Murphy undertaken by the Council and it was agreed Chairman we should create two new officer posts on the Council namely Vice Chair and Past Chair with a two year rotation for all officer posts. This will provide for both continuity of knowledge within the council and at the same time allowing new members join the council. • Significant levels of funding were secured for the suite of peace and reconciliation programs run by Glencree • The IFI confirmed funding for the construction of a new reception and administration block. • The OPW generously completed the renovation of the Armoury Building, now the location of our new coffee shop

2 Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 Report from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends, • Four Teams of Global Volunteers from the United States and Canada As Chief Executive of the Glencree Centre for • Her Excellency Ann Plunkett, Australian Peace and Reconciliation I am delighted to bring Ambassador to Ireland you our Annual Report for 2006. • His Excellency Christian Pauls, German Ambassador to Ireland The recent exciting developments in Northern Ireland have given us all reason for celebration. The organisation continues to be run by a team We wish the politicians from all parties well in of professional staff and international volunteers their journey forward and congratulate them on both of which contribute to the experience of their courage to take these major steps towards diversity for participants on the programmes. peace. We also acknowledge the vital role played by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister 2006 saw the completion of our new Coffee Shop Tony Blair in supporting the peace process. - The Armoury Café - a wonderful addition to the Centre. The Office of Public Works team have 2006 was a very exciting year at Glencree. The done a magnificent restoration job. Participants sectors we have worked in during the year are and other visitors are delighted with the new outlined in detail in other sections of this report. facility and the new menus on offer. Under the We are very happy that a high level of management of Eileen Kennedy, the Armoury participation from all sectors of the community Café is developing a reputation for excellence and and across the border was achieved in our value for money. relationship building efforts. I would like to like to pay tribute to our voluntary Our international programme continues to Council and the members of our various develop. During 2006 we worked in Haiti (with committees for their continued interest, support Concern) Sri Lanka, Middle East and Colombia and expertise that they bring to Glencree. In (with Trocaire). We are also researching work in particular I would like to pay tribute our outgoing Liberia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sierra Leone Chairman Paddy Crean. Paddy during the past 3 at present. Under the excellent guidance of the years guided and supported me as Chief International Advisory Committee we are seeking Executive and his in–depth knowledge of the significant funding to develop this work further. issues of peacebuilding and reconciliation and of Glencree itself were invaluable to me, as was his A highlight of the year was the approval by the integrity and hard work. I am delighted that International Fund for Ireland of a grant for €1.8 Paddy Crean takes on a new role of Past Chair in million to build a new reception and the organisation. administrative centre and an additional eight bedrooms at Glencree as part of the Fund’s I would also like to welcome to our new Chairman, legacy programme. Our heartfelt thanks go to Jonathan Murphy. Jonathan and I have worked the Fund for its support in this exciting and together over the past 3 years, when he much needed project. voluntarily filled the gap of Accountant in the Centre. I look forward to working with Jonathan We had a number of special visitors to Glencree in his new role in the future. during 2006 including: I would also like to pay tribute to all the staff • Pat Colgan, Chairperson, Special EU and volunteers for their dedication and Programmes Body professionalism which is second to none. • Her Excellency Priscilla Jana, South African Ambassador to Ireland • His Excellency David Reddaway, British Máirín Colleary Ambassador to Ireland • Minister Tom Parlon TD Máirín Colleary • Minister Eamon O Cuiv TD Chief Executive • Minister Dick Roche TD

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 3 Peace Education Programme Conn Mulvenna

Working with Schools Working with Young People A few Facts and Figures Glencree continued to develop our work Glencree explored a new Youth Strategy in The figures represent the total number of with schools on our one-day, and two-day 2006, to ensure that our work with young young participants in the Peace Education programmes. We have reviewed and people is sustainable, and meeting the within the academic year. developed the programme within the needs of the participants at their own strategic framework of the Glencree local level. To this end we have begun to Development Plan. In 2006 we offered a change our focus from a Glencree Youth Programme Year Year 1st series of five programmes to schools Group to a series of strategic partnerships total total Term across a range of curricular areas and which involve young people from local 2004/05 2005/6 2006/7 age groups. The programmes now on youth service organisations. 1 day 1102 973 1000 offer are: 2 day 323 417 540 We have continued to work in partnership 3 day 135 114 300 1. Primary Schools - 6th Class Transitions with Children for Peace, Warrington, NS Schools 171 159 155 England, in the development of the Young Others 52 82 90 2. Transition Year Citizens Project and the Tim Parry • Conflict Resolution Scholarship. 1783 1745 2,085 • Group Work • Communication Skills The Peace Education Programme has Funding also developed partner activity with the The Peace Education Programme at 3. Senior Cycle – Religious Education: Soltun Peace School; The Peace Boat, Glencree has continued to enjoy the A one-day / two-day programme for Japan; Voluntary Service International; support of the International Fund for Senior Cycle Religious Education on and the Experiment in International Ireland Community Bridges Programme, “Doing Justice.” Living. Irish Aid (Development Cooperation Ireland), and the Ulster Bank. Without 4. Schools’ Leadership Programme Other Developments their support, guidance and cooperation We greatly appreciate the support of the we would be unable to deliver our In order to develop a sustainable Department of Education and Science, the programmes to the high standards approach to delivering these Curriculum Development Unit and the currently applied. programmes, Glencree has expanded its Curricular Support Services for Transition Facilitator Panel from 15 to 21 members. Year, CSPE and Religious Education, for all The panel now delivers the programme to Advisory Group their support and assistance in the schools and youth groups and are actively Ian White development of our programme in line involved in the ongoing development of Jonathan Murphy with the education curriculum. This our future strategy. Gail Varian developmental work will enable us to Rosy Wilson significantly impact on mainstreaming the Glencree has reviewed and updated our Sean O'Boyle work of peace education within education Child Protection Policy and all staff are Eamon Rafter in Ireland. now fully trained in the ‘Keeping Safe’ child protection programme. The Peace Education Programme has also enjoyed the support of four international The North South Schools Programme has volunteers, who have contributed greatly continued with our Monaghan/Craigavon to the development of the team and the link of six schools involved in cross-border work. We gratefully appreciate the work residential and project work. This year has of Sorcha Tormey (Australia), Nneka Madu also seen us begin the development of (USA), Meenu Raghunathan (India), Elaine further links in the North-West region Adair-Smith (Canada). which will involve eight schools developing cross-border links. 2006 also saw the arrival of Sorcha Tormey to the team as our Peace Education Programme Officer.

4 Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 Education Development at Glencree Eamon Rafter

The role of Education Development and Our Quality Assurance was recognised by Funding Training Officer was established in 2005 to FETAC this year and we are now delivering The Education and Training Development create a process for sharing the learning our first accredited training. We are Role at Glencree is funded by the of the organisation and making it entitled to present any recognised FETAC International Fund for Ireland. available to the wider society. We feel that modules and will be offering several in we have gained an understanding of areas related to our core work. This is part conflict resolution and peace building of the process of establishing ourselves as processes, over a number of years a Centre of Learning, where courses of a working in the field, and that this can be high standard are available to individuals very useful for organisations who are keen as a part of the lifelong learning process. to access training and skills in this area. We are also in a position to offer support In conjunction with this the development to other projects which can benefit by our of the volunteer programme has been an experience and we have been working in important piece of work over the past partnership with a variety of organisations year. The volunteers currently contribute around the country. their time and considerable efforts to the running of the Centre and their work is One of these organisations is Louth vital to Glencree. We are in a better Leader who we have worked with through position to support their learning through their ‘Communities Connect’ project. We accredited training and to involve them were involved in the development and more in programme work. Hopefully this delivery of the ‘Peace by Piece’ will make the experience of being a programme which was run in Dundalk volunteer at Glencree a more worthwhile and Newry in the early part of the year. and beneficial one. This was intended to bring community development practitioners into the sphere We have started to offer one day Chief Executive Mairin Colleary presents a of peace building through a participatory introductory courses at Glencree in areas certificate to Elizabeth Davidson, leader of the action research process, leading to a series related to our programmes. An LEAP group, upon completion of their training. of workshops. The process was one of ‘Introduction to Facilitation Skills’ course listening to and working with the needs of has been offered to train in some of the the participants and the experience of skills required in this area of work. Our partnership was a learning process for ADR/Mediation course has also been run a Glencree. The programme was innovative number of times during the year. We plan and creative and has helped in the to expand this area and offer courses in development of a network in the North Violence Prevention, Practicing Non- East border counties. violence, Conflict Management, Negotiation Skills and other related areas. We have also been doing some work with the Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim, to Taster courses to get people interested in support the peace building side of their experiential learning have also been run. programmes in border counties. The A highlight was the ‘Theatre of the Sustainable Peace approach has been Oppressed’ session offered by Raul Araujo helpful to them and we look forward to from the Cross Border Centre in Dundalk. continuing with this work. We are always delighted to welcome Partnerships and consultancy are skilled practitioners to Glencree to widen important to the sharing of learning. This the scope of the experiences we offer to unusual link-up has, in the best traditions the public. of consultancy work, brought new insights to both parties.

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 5 Political Programme 2006 Ian White

The Glencree political programme has Dialogue Training delivered hundreds of inclusive dialogue The purpose of Glencree’s programme is • In 2006 Glencree offered training by opportunities and meetings which have to build sustainable relationships both Liz Iwaskiw, a Canadian trainer involved representatives from almost between people who otherwise might not with years of expertise in Alternative every political party in Ireland North and have opportunities to engage. Dispute Resolution Training and South as well as Britain. Programme work Conflict Management, and Moty Cristal during 2006 focused on warming up the • The ground rules for those who engage from Israel, who has advised the cold relationship between the DUP and in the Glencree political dialogue Knesset and other players in the Middle Southern Political Parties. We believe that programme are essential ingredients in East during difficult negotiations. this work contributed to the formation of ensuring that workshops achieve their positive relationships between elected objectives of creating networking/ • Groups which availed of this training representatives North and South. relationship building opportunities and included: exploring issues of common concern. The Annual Summer School held in The workshop programme asks all • DUP Councillors August 2006 was a highlight of the participants to accept that while they • Ulster Political Research Group programme’s year, with Gregory Campbell control the agenda, Glencree facilitators • Families Acting for Innocent Relatives MP MLA of the DUP as our keynote control the process. This ensures that (FAIR) speaker. the agenda remains relevant and can • Victims/Survivors Group change with the political environment and also ensures that all participants are In addition, a number of individuals given an equal opportunity to be heard. availed of a Mediation and Peacemaking A Glencree version of Chatham House Certificate course offered by Geoffrey rules also applies to all dialogue Corry at Glencree. We intend to continue workshops. offering this course during 2007.

• While the focus in 2006 was on bilateral As part of our Strategic Plan, this sharing workshops, our Summer School of our learning will be further developed engaged representatives from all in 2007. strands of the community, including the faith communities. Funding The Political Programme at Glencree is • Among those parties who engaged in funded by the Office of the First and inclusive workshops as part of our Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland political work during 2006 were: and the Department of Foreigh Affairs. • Fianna Fail • Fine Gael • Progressive Democrats • Labour Party • Green Party • Ulster Unionist Party • Progressive Unionist Party • Social Democratic and Labour Party • Democratic Unionist Party • Ulster Political Research Group

6 Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 Summer School Party, Dr. Seán Farren MLA, Senior The annual Glencree Summer School took Negotiator, SDLP, Mr. Pat Carey TD, Chair, place over the weekend of 25th to 27th British/Irish Inter-parliamentary Body, Mr. August 2006. The Summer School Hazlett Lynch focused on ‘Dimensions of Conflict and Director, West Tyrone Voice, Mr. Colin Peace - Opportunities and Challenges’. Parry, Chairman, the Tim Parry Jonathan It was without a doubt an outstanding Ball Trust, Warrington, Mr. Mark success, involving more speakers than Thompson, Director, Relatives for Justice, ever before and participants from all Mr. Paul Leighton, Deputy Chief communities. Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Mr. David Ervine MLA, Leader, The programme addressed the historical, Progressive Unionist Party. religious, cultural, economic, political, human and security dimensions of The Annual Women’s Lecture as part of conflict. the Summer School was delivered by broadcaster and journalist Karen Coleman The keynote Speaker at the Summer of the Wide Angle on Newstalk Radio. 'Voices in Praise' Youth Choir from Maryland, USA at School was Mr. Gregory Campbell, MP Glencree, July 2006. MLA of the DUP. Other speakers were Ms. Sadly, one of the earliest pieces of news Karen Chouhan, Chief Executive of the from 2007 was that our esteemed friend 1990 Trust and Joseph Rowntree and colleague David Ervine passed away. Charitable Trust Visionary, Mr. Laurence His last contribution to the work of McKeown, Development Worker, Coiste na Glencree was at the 2006 Summer School, n-Iarchimí, Mr. Dan Mulhall, Director, EU and as always it was insightful and Section, Department of Foreign Affairs, Sr. inspiring. We will miss him at all future Geraldine Smyth OP, Senior Lecturer, Irish Glencree events. School of Ecumenics, Rev. Earl Storey, Director, the Hard Gospel Project, Sheikh The 2007 Summer School takes place over Hussein Halawa, Imam of the Islamic the weekend of 24th - 26th August. Cultural Centre of Ireland, Rev. Brian Kennaway, Former Convenor, Education Committee, Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Mr. Frankie Gallagher, Ulster Political Research Group, Mr. Bernard Sweeney, Travellers Speaking for Travellers, Mr. Tom Arnold Chief Executive, Concern, Mr. Andrew Heyn, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy, Dublin, Mr. Brendan Mackin, Co-ordinator, Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre, Ms. Liz Creating dialogue opportunities McManus TD, Deputy Leader, Labour between those in the political arena and those in civil society

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 7 International Programme 2006 Ian White

The International Programme at Glencree Sri Lanka Haiti continued to expand during 2006 and Unfortunately despite great work with Sri In partnership with Concern Worldwide, involved work with Haiti, Sri Lanka, the Lanka in previous years, the political with other local actors, KDSM and Jilap, Middle East, and Columbia. The situation there has become more unstable Glencree is engaged in a three year International Advisory Committee met and this has inhibited our work in the programme to reduce levels of violence in four times throughout the year and region. We are planning to re-focus our a particular slum area of Port au Prince contributed to the formation of a strategic work during 2007 and all our funders have called St Martin. The 70,000 residents vision for this work for the Centre. confirmed agreement with the new suffer extreme deprivation and Concern direction of the programme. The has been working to alleviate this poverty. programme will focus on working with This new initiative reflects the linkage the Judiciary rather than with civil society. between poverty and violent conflict and is providing capacity building opportunities for community activists from St Martin as well as wider Haitian Society to empower them to manage conflict without violence.

The work of Glencree in Haiti focuses on bringing all the players of influence in the poverty stricken slum areas together for dialogue and for creating a future for those who live there. This includes gang leaders, churches, community workers, politicians and business leaders. The training of local people to facilitate this difficult dialogue is part of the legacy Images from the 'Welcome Strangers' Exhibition. strategy of this work so that when we leave the work can be continued locally. This empowerment of local community leaders is at the core of the Glencree International work. We recognise that in order to break the violence/poverty cycle, Providing support with economic development is essential and we are working with Concern and the business community to create micro peace building projects projects in the area. in conflict situations internationally

8 Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 Middle East Colombia Funding • In July 2006 we hosted a programme for During 2006 Trocaire undertook an in- The Glencree International Programmes eight Palestinian former prisoners and depth evaluation of the work being done are funded by the Irish Department of Israeli Security Personnel. with Glencree in Colombia. The outcome Foreign Affairs, Trocaire, Concern and the was an outstanding endorsement of the European Union. • In September Glencree delivered a work and its achievements. programme for a group of young Advisory Group Jewish Leaders from the Israeli Russian A comprehensive plan for expanding the H.E. Mr. Truls Hanevold community through the Berl Karleston work was commenced in 2006 and is Mr. Andrew Heyn Foundation. expected to be completed in early 2007. Dr. David Bloomfield Dr. John Terence O Neill • Also in September Glencree hosted a Mr. Paddy Reilly seven-day visit of two former Mr. Richard Whelan Palestinian ministers who have played a H. E. Ms. D P S Jana critical role in developing the Unity H.E. Mr Mark J. Moher Government Plan. Professor Christine Bell Mr. Wally Kirwan Lt. Gen. Gerry McMahon • A new dialogue initiative ‘Contested Ms. Rosie Wilson Spaces’ involving religious and political Mr. Peter Keenan leaders from Ireland North and South, Mr. Bill Brown East and West Jerusalem, and Hebron Mr. Ian White was started in 2006. In October two Mr. Sean O Boyle members of our team travelled to the Ms. Maírín Colleary region to meet with participants and extend invitations for our December dialogue workshop in Glencree.

• In December we hosted 16 sub- leadership activists from the Middle East for a joint preparatory study visit.

Máirin Colleary, Chief Executive of Glencree chairs the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Networking Forum July 2006.

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 9 Glencree Churches Programme Colin Murphy

In offering this programme, Glencree Churches Programme objectives are Milestones 2006 and Prospects seeks to make its own contribution to the delivered by a team of field workers and for 2007 many efforts that are being made by faith facilitators. In workshops special With the addition of a second fieldworker, communities in both parts of Ireland and attention is paid to delivering on the five Sarah Ward, the Programme has been world-wide to understand the role that strands of reconciliation developed by able to extend its ‘footprint’ into the religion plays in causing and mitigating Brandon Hamber and adopted by northwest, especially counties Donegal conflict. Border Action: and Derry. New cross-community, cross- border contacts are being established The core question that underpins the • Building positive relationships and fresh initiatives will follow Programme is: throughout 2007. • Developing a shared vision of an ’What is our role or the role of your interdependent and fair society The other centre of activity is the church in building peace and who southwest of our region where work could work with you in this endeavour? • Acknowledging and dealing with in counties Tyrone, Cavan, Monaghan the past and Armagh continues with lay and Glencree Churches Programme provides clergy groups. opportunities for debate on this issue • Significant and attitudinal change within and between faith communities The WISP (Women in Search of Peace) and other believers on a cross border • Substantial social, economic and project, now in its third year, is basis. This is a civil society project about political change. developing and deepening work with reconciliation , rather than a religious groups from east and west Belfast, project about ecumenism . Fermanagh, Cavan and Monaghan. This project is partnered with WEA The Programme facilitates a process that Owl programme. addresses issues that are surfaced by participants. In this way, people are offered a ‘safe space’ within which they are encouraged to meet the ‘other’, often for the first time; to ask questions - and to really listen to the answers.

This is a strategic initiative, in that it works horizontally through community-based local and residential workshops, and vertically via activity with church leaders. Its primary area of operation is Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland.

10 Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 Our Macartan outreach initiative, focused Funding in the Clogher Valley, continues to build Glencree Churches Programme is 100% bridges across the community in an area funded by Border Action PEACE II that suffered greatly during the Troubles. programme, Cross Border Measure. A major focus for 2007 is our Breathing Space dialogue process that offers civil society leaders in the 12 northern counties opportunities to engage with faith community leaders on the theme of ‘Good Conversations about Serious Advisory Group Issues’. This development is the Ernie Carroll culmination of nine months work with a Mairin Colleary steering group of influential church Bishop Joseph Duffy people in Northern Ireland. Churches Programe Co-ordinator and former Chairman Rev John Harding Colin Murphy is congratulated by Volunteer Zhonghai Brendan Henderson Chen after being awarded an MBE in June 2006. Marcus Hopkins Fergus Kernan Lynne Murphy Rev Moba Mwanzele Ian McCracken Colette Nulty Fr Sean Nolan

Providing opportunities for debate within and between faith communities

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 11 The Survivors and Former Combatants Programme: Jacinta De Paor and Wilhelm Verwoerd

During 2006 excellent progress was made A growing pool of participants from 2004 Participating Programme in a number of ways within the Survivors and 2005 had been on similar journeys. Develoment Initiative and Former Combatants programme. 2006 saw an increasing focus on parallel In 2006 there was also a range of activities activities, aimed at cultivating an ongoing aimed at participants from the LIVE Sustainable Relationships network of co-operative relationships (victim/survivor) strand of the between participants from previous A number of activities focused on the key programme. These included a series of groups. These activities included the first preparatory workshops leading to the challenge of cultivating sustainable joint strategic planning meeting in April relationships between survivors, former second joint Survivors and Former and a gathering of 2004 and 2005 Combatants Convention, in June. This combatants and influential members of participants at Glencree in June. In wider society. For the third year in a row - Convention highlighted again the many addition, panels of participants engaged pitfalls and challenges involved in in what has become known as the with graduate students at Queens Glencree Sustainable Peace Network - the dialogues between survivors and former University, Belfast, and with around 60 combatants. With the help of an cycle of previous participants nominating, business people who participated in the selecting and raising funds for the next international co-facilitator on the 2005 first “Glencree Golf Classic” at Powerscourt and 2006 conventions, a new initiative group of participants from diverse Golf Club in September. backgrounds continued in 2006. was embarked upon that, firstly, involved the gathering of detailed feedback from a The 2006 group was taken on two unusual range of participants. Secondly, a core journeys, that encouraged the growth of group of participants, from both the enduring relationships through shared victim and former combatant strands, wilderness or wild nature activities. The were invited to become part of a team first involved a long weekend in May in a that would use this type of information on remote part of the Scottish Highlands (co- an ongoing basis. It was hoped it would facilitated by the Wilderness Foundation help them design and develop more (UK)). The second was a two week journey effective future programme activities. A to South Africa in November, which promising first meeting of this grouping included a five day wilderness trail in took place in October. northern KwaZulu Natal co-facilitated by the Wilderness Leadership School. This Participants on the Sustainable Peace also involved exposure to the ongoing Programme make their way through the South African transition from apartheid. wilderness of KwaZuluNatal in November.eps Before and after each of these journeys there were planning, preparation, and follow-up meetings at Glencree. Building Sustainable Relationships

12 Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 Sustainable Peace Funding Central to the Survivors and Former The Glencree Survivors and Combatants Combatants programme is a participant Programme is 100% funded by the driven ‘Sustainable Peace’ initiative which European Union’s Programme for Peace during 2005 brought together and Reconciliation through Border victims/survivors, ex-combatants, as well Action (Peace II). as others from broader society into an ongoing, dynamic network of people committed to leadership in sustainable peace. Introduction into the network involves an intense process of personal growth, experiential learning and Advisory Committee international exposure - including shared Collect Nulty wilderness experiences in Scotland and Martin Snodden South Africa. The emerging network Iris Mathews provides support for individual Brandon Hamber participants in their own spheres of Sean Coll influence, as well as opportunities for Lucinda Bray diverse and formerly divided participants Maírín Colleary to engage in joint activities, such as the development and delivery of educational resources based on their life experiences and journey together. Participants to this part of the programme have been The Glencree Mosaic, unveiled in June 2006, instrumental in helping to raise the funds after much hard work by participants, for this initiative. volunteers and staff under the supervision of Gail Varian, who made it possible.

Building Sustainable Relationships

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 13 The Women’s Programme Ann Cogavin

During 2006 the Women’s Programme Participants in 2006 included women from Funding ran the Train the Trainer course over six Offaly, Louth and Switzerland. The Glencree Women’s Programme is weekends with participants from North funded by the Eastern Health Board, the and South. This is an incremental The Women’s Programme also organised Women’s Network, and the Network for programme of learning that aims to give ‘The Women’s Lecture’ given by Karen Social Change. individuals the skills to understand their Coleman as part of the Glencree Summer own personal process of change, learning School in August. and development, and to train them to be Women’s Programme Committee able to take those skills back to their There were also enquiries from other Ann Cannon respective communities. During 2006 interested groups, but due to funding Anna Payne participants who completed the difficulties for courses run outside Angela Smith Crean programme received a Certificate of Northern Ireland, they were unable to Margaret Murphy Participation from Glencree. progress further. Geraldine McAleese Pauline Davy Participants came from the Tullycarnet The South Armagh Rural Women’s Anne Cogavin Family Project in Belfast and from Network (a cross border project) Helen O’Brien Southern Ireland. The Southern requested a course for 2007 on a ‘stand participants came form Community alone’ basis, which increases the Development groups, Family Resource weekends to 12 for 2007. Centres, a Women’s Network, and a Family Support Group.

The Women’s Programme undertook a number of visits to interested groups in NI including Corner House in Belfast, Hollywood in County Down, and South Armagh Rural Women’s Network (a cross border project). Funding for the programme and outreach visits came from the ‘Network for Social Change/ Funding for Change Ltd’ and from the HSE. This funding also helped to provide bursaries for some of the participants, Women can carry including some from SCD.

A special weekend programme on Histories and Identities was run in out training in their September for the women from Corner House, and they have returned for the 2007 programme. own communities

14 Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 The Glencree Business Club President Alfie Kane

The Glencree Business Club recognises " I firmly believe in the important role the We would like to thank the Business Club the contribution business can make to business community can play in building Members 2006: peaceful society and the resulting Peace a strong future for Northern Ireland." Dividend. To join the Business Club US Ambassador Thomas C. Foley Aqua Fire Prevention companies make a three to five year Arthur Cox commitment of either a monetary “ I never cease to be amazed at the AXA Insurance Ltd. donation or in-kind support dedication and professionalism of the CPL Group Glencree team – and the contribution Diageo Ireland they continue to make to the process of G&T Crampton peace and reconciliation. I am always HR Holfeld Group appreciative of the support of the Info Marex Business Club, without which the Centre Interface Ireland Ltd. could not operate on the scale that Investor Select Advisors Investing in it does.” King Trees Services Ltd. Alfie Kane, President of Glencree LM Ericsson Merrill Lynch peacebuilding “ Vodafone is honoured to support the Microsoft Glencree Business Club. Like many Irish Parc Group work by giving companies, we take pride in all of our Paul Martin Communications community involvement activities. Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare financial support The work of the Glencree Centre is RTE particularly pro-active and innovative.” Russell Court Hotel Gerry Fahy, Strategy Director, Siemens Ltd Vodafone Ireland Silentnight Group Ireland Superquinn Tilestyle Ltd TV3 Ulster Bank Vodafone Ireland Whirlpool

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 15 The Glencree Centre Activity in 2006 Edel Kinsella 2006 was another busy year for Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. Room occupancy was 48% which equated to just under 10,000 people staying for over night accommodation. We served 33,188 meals and countless cups of coffee and tea.

Five teams of Global Volunteers consisting Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, this project and her support of the of approximately 10 volunteers per team visited us in June and viewed the organisation. stayed during 2006 and as always reconstruction of the Armory building completed jobs that Glencree would not The Office of Public Works is refurbishing have otherwise had the resources to several of the historic buildings on the complete. The Global Volunteers painted Glencree site. When the work is our exhibition rooms, conference rooms, completed there will be additional stairwells, corridors, railings; they built meeting room space, bedrooms and presses, cupboards, erected shelves and new offices. helped us move office. They also cooked, cleaned, made beds and baked hundreds Also in June Glencree hosted a dinner for of chocolate chip cookies! The Global our Friends and Members - this was a Volunteers contribute to Glencree in many marvellous summer evening of socialising ways: they become our friends, strengthen and learning about the organisation’s our team and it is always very sad to see history, activities and progress. them go. In June we hosted a farewell dinner for the Israeli Ambassador, Daniel Megiddo. Ambassador Megiddo recently planted a tree at Glencree with the former Palestinian Delegate General, Ali Halimeh, to acknowledge and honour the efforts of the Voluntary Service International. This H.E. Mr. Tom Foley, US Ambassador to Ireland, follows on a tradition of hosting farewell plants a tree during his visit to Glencree with events in which Glencree acknowledges Maeve collins, IFI and M. Schmidt. the support and service of both Palestinian and Israeli Ambassadors The International Fund for Ireland, USAID to Ireland. and the newly appointed American Ambassador to Ireland, Thomas C. Foley, Minister Tom Parlon TD inspects the Armoury We were very fortunate to have a visited Glencree, to hear more about the Cafe site with members of the OPW and Chief bedroom sponsored by the German IFI supported education work and new Executive Mairin Colleary. Embassy which was opened on the 28th capital development project. September by Ambassador Christian The Office of Public Works have been, as Pauls. The “Embassy Decorators” included always, marvellous landlords. The OPW Tina Talukder, Eamon Bartley & Linda have diligently been working away on the Gensch. Several companies sponsored “Armoury” building which is near the room and a warm thank you to all completion. This will become our new those who contributed to making it so coffee shop and will be able to beautiful and inviting. accommodate 75 people and include a large retail area. It has panoramic views The Australian Embassy also began work over the valley and will be of enormous on decorating a bedroom which should value to Glencree and its customers. The be completed by early 2007. A big thank Armoury is due to open in March 2007. you to Ambassador Plunket for the many Images of the new IFI funded building at Glencree Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for visits she made to Glencree in relation to on which construction will begin in 2007.

16 Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 In addition to our own Programmes some across the Globe;- from Hungry, Germany, through the centre. 65% of these were of the other users of the Centre have USA, Wales, Canada, Haiti, South Africa & foreign tourists whilst the remainder were been: Ghana to name but some of the countries. passing trade which included cyclists, Brendan Crowley, the longest serving walkers, special needs groups and Springboard, School for International volunteer at Glencree, celebrated his 70th individuals. Training, Irish Traveller Movement, VSI, Birthday, with an evening of warm Eastern Mennonite University, Celtic Birthday wishes and fond memories from The Visitor Centre also hosted private Youth, the Irish Forum for Global Health his 20 years at Glencree. Previous parties and a wedding reception. Bus and the Dublin Emmaus Community who volunteers, current volunteers, staff, and Tours increased slightly with the arrival of availed of the Glencree facilities. “Voices friends joined in the celebration. UK Coach Tours. in Praise” a youth choir from the Friendship United Methodist Church in The Glencree Centre staff are a dedicated The Christmas Fair and Christmas Shop Friendship, Maryland, USA inspired team of professionals working with was once again a very successful event visitors, staff and volunteers at Glencree limited resources: without their support and brought many visitors to the centre. with their beautiful voices in July and dedication Glencree would not be Glencree. The exhibition centre, which is free to the public, hosted many excellent shows The Noble Tyrell Volunteer which included ‘Broken Bodies - Broken Bursary Dreams`, a photographic exhibition Gerry Tyrell and his wife Jo Noble were depicting Violence against women. peace activists from England who worked `Every Picture Tells a Story` from the Wave for many years in peacebuilding in Ireland. Trauma Centre in Belfast, `Diversity in They were based in Northern Ireland. Colour` by Donnie Brown, a young Gerry died of cancer in 2001 and Council emerging artist from Derry and Member Bill Brown set up this bursary fund to enable Volunteers from `Our People Our Times`, a history of disadvantaged areas to come and work at Northern Ireland’s Cultural diversity. Glencree, in memory of Gerry's major A small number of local artists exhibited contribution to peacebuilding. their works which enabled the centre to make a small profit for the first time in its existence. The Irish Canadian Society installed a Peace In 2006 we were delighted to welcome Bench in honour of the great commitment a Volunteer from Haiti under this scheme, and support given by departing Canadian and hope that it will continue in The Glencree Visitors Centre is supported Ambassador Mark Moher and his wife Jean. future years. by Pobal.

Deep appreciation to all of our guests who avail of the facilities of Glencree and The Glencree Visitors Centre contribute in so many ways to enrich the Supported by the Department of Rural organisation. – Thank you Community & Gaeltacht Affairs. As Since its inception in 2003 the business As always the Glencree Volunteers are an has gone from strength to strength with integral part of the work in the Centre and trade figures having increased by 100% in without their support and commitment 2003/4 and a further 70% in 2005/6. Another busy Glencree would not be such a unique Visitor numbers have also grown with place. We had 10 volunteers in 2006 from approximately 53,000 people passing year for Glencree

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Annual Review 2006 17 The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation