LCC International University > Research at LCC > Project – Peace at the Margins: Connecting through Language lithuanian
"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.
2026-04-16
On April 8th, we gathered in a listening circle. Sometimes, the world feels overwhelming — like everything is happening all at once, and there’s no space to process it.This Peace Encounter evening hosted by the Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation at LCC International University was that space.We gathered in a listening circle to slow down and be present with each other. No pressure to debate or have the “right” opinion — just an honest conversation about what’s happening in the world and how it affects us.We talked a lot about courage — what it means to stay engaged, to keep caring, and to not turn away from difficult realities. Everyone came with different experiences, but there was a shared feeling: the need to understand and to be heard.As Zoriana, a 2nd year Ukrainian business student, shared,“Peace encounters provide a rare opportunity in modern life to pause, reflect, and truly listen… Through discussions with others, we gain new insights and a deeper understanding.”And Salome, a 1st year IRD student from Georgia, reflected on the feeling of the space itself:“It is always special to come together and create a safe space where all ideas and perspectives are respected and appreciated.”That’s what made this encounter meaningful — not just the topics we discussed, but how we showed up for each other.Because sometimes, peace doesn’t start with big solutions.Sometimes it starts with a conversation — honest, open, and human
2026-03-20
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