To Fight Sectarianism and Search for Peace: The Ulster People’s College in Ireland

The history of adult education is littered with examples of radical, independent initiatives designed to express their founders' commitment to the disadvantaged and the fight for justice and equality. That radical tradition has suffered severe setbacks in the pastlO years as, under pressure from conservative governments, the emphasis in adult education has shifted to vocational training to meet the needs of the economy. Here in Northern Ireland adult educators have faced the same pressures. However, our social and economic problems are compounded by violence and sectarianism. In this situation some community educators have striven to find ways and means of contributing to the fight against sectarianism and the search for peace and justice for both communities. One particular initiative, the Ulster People's College, was greatly influenced by this radical, independent adult education tradition and has sought, since its establishment in 1982, to provide an accessible secular, neutral venue where people from both communities could come together to explore common problems and perceived differences.