Peace, Conflict and Social Justice Initiatives
FIE’s commitment to peace, conflict and social justice draws heavily from our organizational mission, which states, “FIE is committed to the development of creative learning environments wherein an understanding of, and appreciation for, the privileges and responsibilities of international citizenship is fostered.” We encourage student awareness and involvement in international conflict issues through our work with leading peace and justice scholars in England, Ireland and the Middle East, offering opportunities for critical analysis of some of the most daunting issues of our time.
Divided Societies International Student Peace Conference
Students have participated in these peace conferences during their semester abroad with FIE. These tightly focused, small conferences offer students the unique opportunity for close conversations with central players in the global peace and justice arena.
2011: Peace Conference Announced for Strasbourg, France
2010: FIE Students Attend Peace Conference in Northern Ireland
Peace Program Development in Amman, Jordan
The summer program London/Amman: Peace and Conflict Resolution in the Middle East and Beyond will soon be joined by semester-long individual enrollment and faculty-led opportunities in Amman through FIE’s partnership with the Institute for Diplomacy.
Marol Academy Partnership and Scholarship Route
This California-based non-profit organization is dedicated to supporting sustainable education in South Sudan. The Academy has opened a school for 300 boys and girls in Marol, a rural village in Warrap State, South Sudan. FIE has formed the Marol Academy Workgroup to develop and promote partnership between our two organizations. Fundraising and knowledge exchange efforts are extensive and ongoing.
Merit scholarships are available in memory of FIE’s founder. The Marol Academy Route is one of three options. Students receiving this scholarship will execute a fundraising or awareness project of their own creation, with the full support of the Marol Academy Working Group.
2008: FIE Partners with Marol Academy
2009: FIE Moves Forward With Marol Academy Partnership
Foundation Course Peace Module in Dublin
Unique to FIE students’ Foundation Course in Dublin, this module examines the implications of social conflict on individuals and communities and how varying means of engagement such as public deliberation and sustained dialogue can foster communication towards the achievement and sustainment of peace. The module focuses on case studies from Ireland, presenting and analyzing the implications of conflict in communities and congregations to guide students towards an appreciation of mediation and reconciliation studies.
Staff Community Service Work Release
FIE staff members are given three paid workdays off per calendar year to participate in community service projects. Reports generated from these staff undertakings are highlighted to current students to encourage them to undertake similar community service work during their time abroad.
SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY
FIE is proud to financially support the Palestine Association for Children’s Encouragement of Sports (PACES).
The central aim of this charity is to provide healthy, structured after-school sports programs for Palestinian girls and boys; for boys who would otherwise be on the streets and exposed to extremism and violence, and for girls as a means of getting them out of their homes and into programs that empower them. These programs offer an escape from being idle on the streets or in homes, an escape that is fun, healthy, and encourages excellence, team-work and the importance of work ethic through commitment to sports and to practice.
Their work is concentrated in and around the most marginalized communities, refugee camps and remote villages across Palestine, reaching the most vulnerable and needy children between the ages of eight and sixteen. PACES partners with local and international NGOs to provide the children with workshops and exposure beyond sports that give them additional development opportunities.
LONDON: PEACE, CONFLICT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ACADEMIC TRACK
Students can immerse themselves in this area of study through focused coursework and a relevant academic internship or service learning placement.
- International Diplomacy
- Peace and Conflict Resolution
- Understanding Civilizations: Islam and the West
- Social Welfare in the UK
- Legal and Justice Organizations
- Politics
- Social Welfare Organizations
- Refugee Issues
- Women’s Issues
- Poverty Issues
- Disability Rights Issues
- Gay and Lesbian Issues
- Prisoner Welfare and Crime Reduction