By Ben Kerrigan-
English language students across the globe are embarking on a unique journey to learn about the historic Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, which played a pivotal role in bringing peace and prosperity to Northern Ireland.
This educational initiative, part of the Northern Ireland Office’s (NIO) program commemorating the Agreement’s 25th anniversary, aims to foster an understanding of diplomacy, dialogue, and conflict resolution.
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On 10th April, an agreement was reached to bring Northern Ireland’s troubles to an end. The deal was reached after round the clock negotiations in what was a careful balancing act reflecting the competing interests and demands of different parties.
The Northern Ireland Office in collaboration with the British Council, has unveiled a groundbreaking teaching resource named “25 Years On: Marking the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.”
This resource is set to enrich the English language learning experience for students around the world.
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The launch event took place in Colombia, where British Ambassador George Hodgson had the privilege of observing international students engaging with the resource in a British Council English language class.
This interactive lesson delved into the historical significance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, unraveling the intricate path that led to the peace process between the UK and Irish Governments and the Northern Ireland parties. It also emphasized the role of positive language in conflict resolution.
The teaching resource, designed to cater to both beginner and intermediate learners, is an adaptation of educational materials developed by The National Archives for students in the UK.
Accessible globally through the British Council’s online Teaching English network, which boasts over six million learners across 238 countries, the resource is also integrated into the British Council’s English language Teaching Centres.
These centers cater to more than 400,000 learners in over 100 countries annually.
A Respected Example of Conflict Resolution
The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is internationally renowned for its role in resolving conflict.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris emphasized the Agreement’s global significance, acknowledging it as a landmark achievement in the histories of Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
He commended the teaching resource’s endeavor to educate English language students worldwide about the Agreement.
Jonathan Stewart, Director of the British Council Northern Ireland, expressed his delight regarding the resource’s launch.
Stewart highlighted its role in commemorating the historic Agreement while encouraging English language learners to explore negotiation and compromise in conflict resolution.
He shared his hope that the resource would enhance both English language skills and comprehension of the Northern Ireland peace process for learners worldwide.
British Ambassador George Hodgson drew parallels between the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and Colombia’s own peace agreement, signed in 2016. He noted that both agreements marked the end of prolonged violence and delivered a message of peace and progress to the world.
Hodgson celebrated the opportunity for Colombian students, the first generation to grow up in the aftermath of the peace deal, to learn about Northern Ireland’s experiences and shared lessons of peace.
A Global Reach for Diplomacy and Reconciliation
The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement teaching resource is now accessible on the British Council’s Teaching English website. It seeks to reach thousands of learners across the globe, nurturing a deeper understanding of the vital roles diplomacy, dialogue, and reconciliation play in resolving conflicts.
In a world where language and communication transcend borders, this initiative signifies the power of education in fostering global awareness and promoting a more peaceful future.
English language students worldwide are poised to gain a profound appreciation for the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement’s enduring legacy and its contribution to a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
The Northern Ireland Office, in collaboration with the British Council, has unveiled a groundbreaking teaching resource named “25 Years On: Marking the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.”
This resource is set to enrich the English language learning experience for students around the world.
The launch event took place in Colombia, where British Ambassador George Hodgson had the privilege of observing international students engaging with the resource in a British Council English language class.
This interactive lesson delved into the historical significance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, unraveling the intricate path that led to the peace process between the UK and Irish Governments and the Northern Ireland parties. It also emphasized the role of positive language in conflict resolution.
The teaching resource, designed to cater to both beginner and intermediate learners, is an adaptation of educational materials developed by The National Archives for students in the UK.
Accessible globally through the British Council’s online Teaching English network, which boasts over six million learners across 238 countries, the resource is also integrated into the British Council’s English language Teaching Centres.
These centers cater to more than 400,000 learners in over 100 countries annually.
A Respected Example of Conflict Resolution
The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is internationally renowned for its role in resolving conflict. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris emphasized the Agreement’s global significance, acknowledging it as a landmark achievement in the histories of Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. He commended the teaching resource’s endeavor to educate English language students worldwide about the Agreement.
Jonathan Stewart, Director of the British Council Northern Ireland, expressed his delight regarding the resource’s launch. Stewart highlighted its role in commemorating the historic Agreement while encouraging English language learners to explore negotiation and compromise in conflict resolution.
He shared his hope that the resource would enhance both English language skills and comprehension of the Northern Ireland peace process for learners worldwide.
British Ambassador George Hodgson drew parallels between the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and Colombia’s own peace agreement, signed in 2016.
He noted that both agreements marked the end of prolonged violence and delivered a message of peace and progress to the world.
Hodgson celebrated the opportunity for Colombian students, the first generation to grow up in the aftermath of the peace deal, to learn about Northern Ireland’s experiences and shared lessons of peace.
The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement teaching resource is now accessible on the British Council’s Teaching English website. It seeks to reach thousands of learners across the globe, nurturing a deeper understanding of the vital roles diplomacy, dialogue, and reconciliation play in resolving conflicts.
In a world where language and communication transcend borders, this initiative signifies the power of education in fostering global awareness and promoting a more peaceful future.
English language students worldwide are poised to gain a profound appreciation for the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement’s enduring legacy and its contribution to a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
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