Local Programme Design

The foundation of our experience, skills and learning has been our individual work
over the last 30 years in Northern Ireland. In particular many of the team have
received their core training while working with the Corrymeela Community based in
Ballycastle Northern Ireland. Corrymeela was founded in 1965 and is dedicated to
peace-building and reconciliation across the world. For many years individuals and
groups from across the world have travelled to the Corrymeela Centre to learn from
the work being undertaken there. When Corrymeela helped support the setting up of
TIDES one of the hopes was that this new organisation could begin for really the first
time to translate the learning gained into other places and settings internationally.

Before TIDES has even been properly set up the first requests to do just that arrived
from Concern, the Irish Aid Agency. Since then TIDES has continued to respond to such
requests. We have sought to apply broadly the same approach to our design work
internationally as we have to the local setting.

We ensure that all the programmes we design are built from:

Firstly that we only work where we have an invitation from a locally based programme

That we are able to generate a clear analysis of the background need for the programme

That the phase of the conflict or post conflict setting is appropriate to the programme
proposed [Prevention, Intervention, Mediative or Transformative]

A detailed understanding of the learning outcomes from both a learner and trainer perspective.

A deep commitment to experiential learning as a core methodology

Flexibility in design to maximise programme availability to the client group

A commitment to make the learning environment culturally appropriate, stimulating, safe,
learner centred and enjoyable