Co-operation Ireland

Co-operation Ireland is an all-island peace-building charity. Since it was established in 1979 as Co-operation North, it has worked to encourage and promote interaction, dialogue and practical collaboration within Northern Ireland and between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Our mission is to sustain peace by helping to build a shared and cohesive society. Co-operation Ireland does this by working in partnership with others in these islands to: - Develop initiatives which address emerging challenges to peace - Facilitate understanding, positive relationships and co-operation across these islands, building a sense of interdependence - Create a supportive environment by building capacity, influencing policy, and developing collaboration at a strategic level - Share our learning and experience of peace building and practical co-operation internationally Co-operation Ireland works with youth and school groups, community groups, the media and local government to create opportunities for people to engage in a variety of peace-building activities. Youth Programmes Over the years Co-operation Ireland has developed numerous programmes based around education and the education system, all of which aim to improve relations between our young people and communities. Co-operation Ireland's Youth Leadership project is focused on supporting young people, at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour, and developing their potential in order to build better lives for themselves and their communities. Co-operation Ireland delivers Youth Leaderships Programmes in Belfast, Dublin, Derry-Londonderry, Cork and in other towns across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Community Programmes Co-operation Ireland helps communities adapt to a changing environment. Our projects extend from supporting local authorities to projects which encourage groups to improve and enhance their own local communities for the people who live there. We support women's groups, groups from the PUL and the CNR communities as well as organisations who are just starting out on developing community development initiatives. International Co-operation Ireland believes that it is important to share the knowledge and experience we have gained over the past 38 years with other areas that are in conflict or post conflict societies. We have worked with many organisations across the globe to help them develop programmes and initiatives that support the building of peace in their country. As well as developing cross-community and cross-border programmes, Co-operation Ireland is also involved in building better Anglo-Irish relations.