Gie Us Peace is a Youth Learning programme that focuses on conflict resolution. The group meets on Monday evenings between 6.30–8.30pm in the Municipal Chambers at Grangemouth.
Background to the project
In January 2005 the Youth Learning Team embarked upon a new and exciting venture to develop and deliver a one week residential congress experience for young people from the Falkirk area.
Over the next few months a group of six young people, along with two full time Youth Learning team staff, formed a planning group to develop a programme that would be relevant to the needs and aspirations of young people.
During the initial meetings it was agreed that the theme for the Congress would be Conflict Resolution and the group agreed a name for the project: 'Gie us Peace'.
The planning group discussed a number of options in relation to introducing this theme in an interesting and innovative way.
Through previous experience of working with other cultures on similar topics it was agreed that the programme would be enhanced by the involvement of a North American 1st Nations Red Indian as they have strong beliefs in relation to respect for others and have unique methods of dealing with conflict resolution. Research identified Corporal Stephen Gloade, a Mi’Kmaq 1st Nations Red Indian who is also a Police Officer with the Royal Canadian Mountain Police. His experience involved working regularly with groups of young people from 1st Nations Indian communities on the theme of respect and conflict resolution.
Residentials and workshops
Stephen, and his colleague Inspector David Wojick, attended the residential that took place in August, 2005. During this time discussions evolved around the possibility of an international youth exchange with a group of young people from Falkirk and a group of 1st Nations Red Indian young people.
In October 2005 a new group formed that consisted of the original planning group members from Gie us Peace and an additional five young people who had participated during the residential in August.
Youth exchange
Over the following 12 months this group became involved in workshops on mental health, confidence building, conflict resolution and team building. Throughout this time discussions were taking place regarding the potential youth exchange. Eventually agreement was reached that the Gie Us Peace group would visit Nova Scotia, Canada in August 2006 for a period of 16 days with the Canadian group coming to Scotland in August 2007.
On 29th July, 2006 ten very excited young people and two youth leaders travelled to the town of Truro in Nova Scotia, Canada to begin an exchange programme with 12 young people from the Mi’Kmaq Indian reservation of Millbrook. The Mi’kmaq Indians are Eastern Candas oldest inhabitants with historical proof of existence in this area dating back some 12,000 years. An intensive2 week programme of activities consisted of presentations by representatives of the Mi’kmaq 1st Nations people who spoke passionately about their history and culture, visits to areas of Nova Scotia which were of particular spiritual importance to the Mi’Kmaq and formal workshops involving alcohol / drugs awareness and suicide intervention training. Suicide is a major problem amongst 1st Nations young people with a very high rate of youth suicides being recorded each year. Many informal discussions took place between both sets of young people who were comparing life as a teenager on both sides of the Atlantic and very many similarities were discovered regarding fashion / dress code and taste in music.
The programme was very tiring but very enjoyable and both groups formed life long friendships. Comments made by the young people indicated that for most of them this was a powerful, emotional and life changing experience and one which will remain with them forever
It should be noted that this particular youth exchange is unique in that no UK youth group have, in the past, exchanged with a 1st Nations youth group.
Future exchanges
Both groups are really excited about the prospect of meeting up again next year and work now begins for the planning of the Canadian visit in the summer of 2007. The Gie Us Peace group are really excited about the prospect of planning a programme that will be both educational and fun and one which will acknowledge the skills that they will develop over the coming year.
The final words from a member of each group:
Mi’kmaq young person:
"It was fun and I love the Scottish. Made new friends and it’s the best thing that has happened to me. No-one has cared about us before. I can’t wait to go to Scotland next year and meet my friends again. 10 out of 10"
Falkirk young person:
"Finished of the suicide awareness course and it was amazing. Ah feel a lot better cause I have learned a great deal and now have a helpful skill. Went to the park and it was amazing being around everyone who I have grown really close to. We had a great laugh. Great day"
If you want more information or are interested in getting involved either as a young person or volunteer contact Gail or John.