Capturing and Sharing the Learning

The peace and reconciliation programmes delivered by the consortium are complemented by reflective, or action-based, research conducted through a variety of methods which further embeds the impact of peace and reconciliation interventions. 

Action research involves deep enquiry into professional actions. By examining peace-building work, seeking improvements, and working with others to formulate new plans for action in the future, it can improve the work practices of the peace-building sector. It is a way of learning from the work through a series of reflective stages.

Action is followed by critical reflection, and reflection is followed by action in a cyclical manner. Better understanding from each cycle directs the way to improved actions. In this way, Irish Peace Centres adopts a process that is responsive and flexible.

Research studies are refined as more is learnt about an issue – the cyclical process provides more chances for learning from previous experience. It therefore enables the correction of errors gone before. 

Irish Peace Centres attaches great importance to capturing and sharing lessons learned with others in peace-building in Northern Ireland and internationally by means of seminars, publications, conferences and exchanges.

Irish Peace Centres has published four research publications as part of the "Experiential Learning" series, including The Evaluation of Storytelling as a Peace-Building Methodology which is the outcome of a joint initiative between INCORE, the International Conflict Research Institute at the University of Ulster. 

Please see below the current publications from IPC.  These can be downloaded on our website and hard-copy requests can be obtained from Claire O’Hare cohare@cooperationireland.org.