Peace in Sri Lanka - A Way Forward

Blue Rose building, Sri Lanka

Dear Raz and Muz,

How are you?

My name is KMP and I am a volunteer in VSI here in Ireland as a member of our National Committee.

As well as my involvement with VSI I have previously worked as a project officer on a post- conflict peace programme with young people between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In July 2006 I took part in a month long work camp in partnership with SCI Sri Lanka and an Irish organisation development education project called 'Development Perspectives' in Tangalle. At that time I had the joyful experience of working with some young people in schools around that district as well as meeting some wonderful members of SCI Sri Lanka who participated in the programme. I am still active in youth work development education programmes and exploring the role of peace education within youth work.

Currently I am undertaking a research thesis as part of the MA programme in Development Studies at the Development Studies Centre, Kimmage, Dublin. This thesis is seeking to research the influence of non formal youth work approaches on the development of young people in areas of military conflict. I intend to carry out the field work research of this proposal something between May and August 2008.

This research is seeking to analyse this topic in the context of the peace education methodologies and attitudes of young people within an active peace organisation.

The 'non formal approaches' section of my will focus on the the effects of the tools, training and approaches of peace education methodologies and approaches to bringing about social transformation and active participation of young people within an agency actively working in an area of conflict. It is also the aim of the research to examine the concepts of the development of young people in engaging in conflict transformation, democracy and social justice through participatory youth work practiced in partnership with young people in developing their own attitudes, beliefs and impacts on these issues as active stakeholders in their communities.

For this reason, I would like to explore with you the possibility of utilising the peace education programmes of SCI Sri Lanka as a basis of my research. I would envisage including semi structured interviews with facilitators and trainers in SCI Sri Lanka and also utilising participatory methods of art, drama, sport, observations and semi and unstructured interviews with the young people involved in programmes. It will be my intention that the issues at the centre of the research will be those offered by the young people involved in the research- be it space for participation in conflict resolution; socialization; educational opportunities; diversity- these are just some of the issues which may be forthcoming however it is my intention that the workshops and participation methods with the young people will ultimately determine what these are.

The purpose of this research is not to assess or criticise the methodologies of the organisation involved in the research. The purpose is to conduct a critical and systematic analysis in order to assess the impacts and the implications of non formal learning within peace education programmes involving young people which may be utilised by the organisation involved in the research and other in future design and implementation of programmes.

Finally, I want to thank you both and your organisation for taking the time to consider this request. I would be grateful for the opportunity to further discuss or clarify anything arising from this proposal. I would be incredibly grateful if this request could be facilitated in any way or if you felt my experiences within youth work, peace and development education could be utilised by your organisation I would be delighted to offer my services in any way which is feasible for your organisation.

Thank you again and I apologise for this lengthy introduction!! However, it would be wonderful to hear any thoughts, ideas or advice you might have on any part of my proposal.

Thanks a million and take care.

Kindest Regards,

KMP