""I didn't realise how much history there is involving Ireland and World War 1. This experience has taught me a lot and really opened my eyes, and I hope to take this experience back home and use it to teach others what it's all about""Sean, Community Worker

Objectives

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT ARE :

To use the historical event of the Nationalist 16th Irish and Unionist 36th Ulster Divisions fighting side by side at the battle of Messines Ridge in June 1917 as a catalyst for creating an environment of tolerance and understanding leading to reconciliation and the acceptance of differences.

To encourage as many individuals and organisations, especially those at the interfaces in Northern Ireland, to participate in discussions regarding the involvement of people from both communities and both parts of Ireland in the 1st World War.

To encourage those of influence and potential leaders from both communities in Ireland to engage in the Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills Programmes that have been developed by the International School for Peace Studies in Messines.

To engage those leaders and young people in the design of Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills educational programmes and to encourage them to embrace the ISPS principal of resolving differences through dialog and reject all forms of violence as a means of creating change.

To be a neutral facility for peace and political dialogue for communities throughout the world that have been effected by conflict.

To encourage cultural developments which support peace activities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

To be a location for people from all over the world to visit, study and stay whilst participating in programmes and events organised by the International School for Peace Studies.