Programme content
The Exchanges Programme within Co-operation Ireland, is
running the Beyond Borders Programme which contains the
following objective:
‘To develop, pilot, measure and evaluate a methodology
of cross-border and cross community exchange work that is
sustained, developmental and systemic’
It will achieve this through engagement with 24 groups on a
number of contact projects. These groups will engage in a
3-year programme that will see them embark on a series of
exchange meetings on a regular basis over the lifetime of
the programme.
An accompanying programme of appropriate training for the
leadership of these groups will be developed in accordance
with emerging needs. These periodic events will enhance the
abilities, networks and learning of the leadership of the
participating groups.
Overall, the learning and good practice from the totality
of the programme will be documented.
Over a 3-year period, groups, their leaders and their
participants will participate in the following programme
outline in order to achieve the envisaged outcomes:
Year I: Contact
Over the course of the first year, each group will engage
in a project with a partner group to:
• Plan a programme
• Meet with their partner group over 2 residential events
• Engage in the ‘group formation’ process
Year II: Co-operate
Over three meetings, the group will engage with their
partner group on the following themes:
• Difference, identity and prejudice
• Politics, culture and history
• Participation and society
Year III: Change
Over two meetings, the programme will take on a personal
dimension for the groups, looking at how they can embed the
principles of the Beyond Borders Programme and new
experiences into their group and their own lives.
