Rural Enabler Programme Rural Community Network Ali McAllister

Programme Approach Partnership approach at Strategic Level Partnership approach at county level Community Development approach at local level Rural defined areas

Practicalities 12 County Enablers Northern Ireland & border counties of Ireland 1 Institutional Enabler working with Orange Order, Gaelic Athletic Association, Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster, Macra na Feirme, Churches 12 County approach

What does it bring to peacebuilding? Opportunity to challenge the myths still in place reinforced by single identity communities - separate schooling and housing Re-humanise sections of the community who felt they were necessarily insensitive to the ‘other’

Why Cross Border? North is ‘wild and dangerous place’ South is ‘full of Catholic Republicans’ ‘Are you a Fenian?’ ‘You Apprentice Boys in the north are accepted, we’re not’

What has been gained? Young people have had chance to challenge their own inherited views Greater understanding of ‘people’ in both areas Going to a new place to learn new things Sharing of learning

Challenges & Opportunities Influence of those who feel alienated and are not committed to the peace process Decade of anniversaries Commitment of those engaged in this process on an ongoing basis