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.