LCC International University > Research at LCC > Project – Peace at the Margins: Connecting through Language
"Peace at the Margins" was a ~1.5-year peacebuilding initiative (November 2024 – January 2026), co-designed and implemented with Prirašytos Rankos NGO, and supported by EU Solidarity Corps funding through the "Connecting through Language" program (March 2025 – January 2026). Rather than a fixed curriculum, the project was conceived as a reflective, evolving process — one built around consistent human presence inside prison walls.
The project launched in Šiauliai with a warm reception from the prison administration and genuine enthusiasm from participants. Early sessions combined structured English lessons with open conversation. Over time, a clear shift emerged: the most meaningful exchanges happened not in formal instruction, but in unstructured pair conversations — where dialogue could unfold naturally and both sides felt seen. This format consistently proved the most impactful. Volunteers and participants alike described these encounters as among the most human and respectful they had experienced within the prison environment.
Programming was adapted throughout the project based on feedback and the emotional climate of each visit. Highlights included:
Martyna led monthly English lessons at Šiauliai Prison as part of the project. Her first session made one thing clear — the participants came to learn.
Martyna Marčauskienė
English Teacher, LCC International University
Change was often quiet — but real. Among participants, the project brought increased openness, moments of vulnerability, and a growing willingness to reflect. Among volunteers, it was frequently transformative:
One student, inspired by his encounters at the prison, chose to write his BA thesis in partnership with the institution — conducting action research on rehabilitative and restorative practices.
Participants showed growing willingness to reflect on their lives and perspectives, including moments of genuine vulnerability.
For many volunteers, the project challenged their assumptions about incarceration, punishment, and rehabilitation. Stereotypes gave way to empathy and a deeper understanding of structural inequality and human resilience.
This project reaffirmed what consistent, respectful dialogue can do in spaces defined by control and distance. It created openings — for reflection, for connection, for change — on both sides of the prison walls.
2026-08-05
This June, Peace Center volunteers Valentyna Bober - alumna from Ukraine and Darkhan Ganiuly – a freshman from Kazakstan attended the Youth Peace Summit 2026 in The Hague, Netherlands. They spent a few inspiring days with around 100 young people from across the world, sharing ideas, building connections, and exploring how youth can contribute to global peacebuilding. Representing LCC International University and the Peace Center, they introduced our community and joined meaningful conversations about cooperation, dialogue, and change-making. Darkhan shared that the experience showed him how powerful it is when people from different backgrounds come together to solve global issues, and it gave him hope that young people will have a real voice in future decision-making. From Valentyna's perspective second day had a great significance. Even though not filled with workshops like first and third day, the Taster Talk and Activity Market truly showcased the importance of highlighting organizations and the work being put into creating feasible changes in daily life as well as provided interesting frameworks for future implementations and cooperations. Their participation reflects what Peace Center opportunities are about — connection, growth, and being part of something bigger. Stay connected to join next year’s opportunities!
2026-08-05
This July, three Peace Center volunteers from Ukraine, Anna, Viktoriia, and Zoriana, spent ten inspiring days in Northern Ireland as participants in the Nurturing Hope Learning Journey program hosted by Corrymeela. Bringing together people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, the program created a unique space for meaningful conversations about conflict, peacebuilding, hope, and community. Throughout the program, participants reflected not only on global challenges but also on their own experiences, learning from one another through dialogue, workshops, and shared daily life. Participants this year came from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Korea, Ukraine (LCC International University), the UK, the USA, South Africa and a lot of people representing various countries all around the world. As Corrymeela often says, "Corrymeela begins when you leave," reminding participants that the real work begins after returning home. For Viktoriia, a 4th year business student at LCC, the experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of connection across differences. Being surrounded by people from around the world showed how dialogue can bring together individuals with vastly different perspectives to discuss both personal and global challenges. She was especially grateful for the opportunity to share the reality of the war in Ukraine and help others better understand its impact. Alongside these conversations, participants also celebrated culture together, including learning a few traditional Ukrainian dances. For Anna, a 4th year IRD student, the program reinforced the importance of community-based peacebuilding. While Ukraine's attention is naturally focused on ending the war, she reflected that meaningful change also begins through small, local actions that strengthen communities and create spaces for dialogue. She also left with a renewed appreciation for curiosity—recognizing that even when we think we understand a situation, there is always more to learn by listening to others and remaining open to different perspectives. For Zoriana, a 3rd year business student, the learning journey highlighted the value of building relationships across cultures and learning from people with different lived experiences. She reflected that hearing diverse perspectives and engaging in honest conversations reinforced the importance of empathy, openness, and dialogue in peacebuilding. The experience inspired her to continue fostering understanding and meaningful connections within her own community. As part of the program, the group also spent three days in Belfast, exploring the city's complex history and learning more about Northern Ireland's peace process. Visiting important historical sites, including Belfast City Hall with the Deputy Lord Mayor Hedley Abernathy, various peacebuilding organizations, and hearing personal stories and challenges from Belfast resident and peacemaker Gordon McDade and his ideas on the need for inspiration, creativity and transformation helped connect the themes discussed during the program with the lived history of a society working toward reconciliation. The experience left Anna, Viktoriia, and Zoriana returning home with new friendships, fresh perspectives, and renewed motivation to continue building peace within their own communities—one conversation and one small action at a time.
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