A new project which utilises an innovative approach to teaching history is helping to pave the way to a better future by helping school children learn to combat prejudice with compassion, indifference with participation, and myth and misinformation with knowledge.

The Facing our History, Shaping the Future Project is a three-year initiative that trains and supports teachers and student teachers and provides cross- community residential programmes at the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle. The Project has engaged with 22 schools in Northern Ireland since September 2010. The classroom based element is aimed at 11 to 18 year olds and is aligned to the revised curriculum. The Project uses case studies of mass violence from historic events to illuminate how individual choices have shaped history and what we can learn from this for the future.

Facing our History, Shaping the Future is funded by the International Fund for Ireland’s Sharing in Education Programme, and it is delivered by the Corrymeela Community in partnership with Boston based NGO, Facing History and Ourselves. The Programme is managed by the Department of Education.

Anne Henderson, Board Member of International Fund for Ireland, said that careful examination of past events could provide valuable lessons for the future.

She said: “By using events in world history and chronicling their progression we can provide insights into how to stop these types of atrocities reoccurring in the future. Facing our History, Shaping the Future is unique in that it uses a multidisciplinary approach to enable teachers and pupils to explore prejudice and confront stereotyping in the safe environment of the classroom.

“The Project is part of the Fund’s Sharing in Education Programme which is integral to our strategy to facilitate more sharing and to promote reconciliation and non-sectarianism in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties.

“Central to the Project is the opportunity for teachers, student teachers and pupils to come together on a cross-community basis during the training and learning process.”

Sean Pettis, Project Coordinator with Corrymeela, commented: “History has often been used as a tool to reinforce division in our society. Through working with educators and young people, we have the opportunity to wrestle with the challenges of the past and learn lessons that can support a more peaceful and inclusive future. We are delighted that the International Fund for Ireland has again supported the work of Corrymeela and our partnership with Facing History and Ourselves.

The 22 schools taking part are located across all six counties of Northern Ireland.

 Click here to download press release