An Introduction to Conflict and Communication Course

(Delivered by the Worker's Educational Association on behalf of the Irish Peace Centres)

Why learning about conflict is important?

Conflict happens all around us and in all parts of our lives – in personal relationships, in families, in our workplaces, in our neighbourhoods and in our communities. Learning to manage conflict more effectively is one of the most useful life skills that any of us can acquire.

Because of strong tendencies towards either fight or flight, conflict in groups is often poorly handled. Conflict managed well can lead to strengthened relationships and an increased willingness and confidence to work co-operatively.

What the course covers

This course will encourage and support learners to:

• Understand their patterns of behaviour in conflict situations
• Learn alternative approaches to managing conflicts
• Increase communication skills
• Through practice, gain confidence to put alternatives into action
• Examine how effective conflict management can help build collaboration

How the course is delivered

• As the project is funded through Peace III monies the courses are being offered free to participants. The project can also meet venue and residential costs as long as this agreed in advance.
• The course is 20 hours long and flexible in nature so it can run on three full days, half day sessions or over a residential.
• The course can be accredited i.e. if the participants complete the workbook they will receive Open College Network accreditation.
• The course is very interactive and participative. It is designed to build upon the experience of participants and be directly applicable to their lives and work
• The course will be delivered by experienced community tutors with extensive experience of delivering learning to adults
• There are six courses to run before June 2011 across Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of the Republic of Ireland. We are open to working with groups of 12 or more people but will also be advertising open call courses that individuals can join.

Is the course for me?

The course is for you if you can answer yes to the following questions

• Are you interested in taking part in a course that is part of a project promoting peace and reconciliation
• Can you put the skills gained on the course into practice back in your work and community with the aim of contributing to peace and reconciliation
• Can you commit to taking part in the whole course and agree to join in with course activities.

Who do I contact to find out more?

Maura Kavanagh
Development Officer
Workers' Educational Association
3 Fitzwilliam Street
Belfast BT9 6AW

Tel 90329718

Email. maura.kavanagh@wea-ni.com

Or book a place online now 

More about the Irish Peace Centres Project

The Irish Peace Centres project is delivered by a consortium of peace-building organisations who seek to cultivate and sustain positive relationships at a local level across the region and across traditional sectarian and new social divides. It is envisaged that a network of people and groups will grow out of the consortium, which will contribute to a change in attitudes and behaviours relating to sectarian and racism. The members of the consortium include: Co-operation Ireland, the Corrymeela Community, and the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. If you want to find out more about the Irish centres you can visit their website www.irishpeacecentres.org