About Seeds of Hope
A year-long programme nurturing peace growers in Northern Ireland. We bring together young adults from different traditions to build relationships, skills, and confidence—with one goal: 'Understand each other better, trust each other more.'
Our Mission
Seeds of Hope develops young peace growers through experiential learning, intergenerational dialogue, and residential community experiences.
Programme Goals
- Deepen understanding of self, relationships, and society
- Build lasting relationships across traditional divides
- Connect with older generations of peacebuilders
- Develop confidence to take action in communities
Our Students
Young adults already active in their communities, coming together to grow as peace leaders.
The Programme
A year-long immersive course grounded in Rotary's Positive Peace principles. Monthly sessions, three residential retreats, and ongoing mentorship.
Trusting Relationships
Building trust across difference. Understanding how our backgrounds shape how we see others.
Conflict-Affected Societies
Case studies including the Good Friday Agreement, with input from those who negotiated it.
Dynamics of Hope
Equity, diversity, interdependence, and non-violence. Moving from understanding to action.
The Residential Experience
Three times a year, participants gather at Corrymeela's Ballycastle centre for intensive three-day residentials. It's here the programme comes alive—watching documentaries together, sharing meals, and forming bonds that last.
A distinctive feature is transgenerational learning. Participants hear directly from people who lived through the Troubles, including members of the Women's Coalition who negotiated the Good Friday Agreement.
One group even formed "The Wee Ijets"—a sea swimming club that braves the Atlantic together. What started as a dare became a powerful metaphor: taking the plunge, supporting each other through discomfort, emerging connected.
Impact & Outcomes
Participants leave with clarity about their role and the relationships to support them.
Voices from Seeds of Hope
Reflections from our 2024 Cohort
"I had to grow my understanding of and confidence in myself before I was ready to tackle the challenges facing my community. Seeds of Hope also gave me the friends I need to support me as I step up."
"I always saw myself as a problem or broken in some way. Seeds of Hope brought me into a new place with myself and with others."
"After hearing from older peace growers, I realised I don't need a job or special training in peacebuilding to fulfil my role as a citizen in growing peace. It gave me more confidence in my agency, and more hope."
Why Northern Ireland?
Twenty-five years after the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland remains divided. Peace walls still separate neighbourhoods. Only 8% of children attend integrated schools. Most young people grow up with limited contact across traditional divides.
But Northern Ireland has also developed world-class expertise in peacebuilding—precisely because it had to. That expertise is what we share with the next generation.
Northern Ireland's peace process shows what's possible when people commit to building peace together. — Jack McGuire, Corrymeela
The Corrymeela Community
Established in 1965, Corrymeela is Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organisation. For 60 years, we've brought people together across divides through genuine encounter—sharing stories, meals, and experiences.
Peacebuilding isn't a career—it's a way of being. We're nurturing citizens who understand peace is everyone's responsibility.
Our Partners
Seeds of Hope is made possible through Rotary International, with 40+ clubs across 12 countries contributing—including a landmark $158,000 Global Grant.
We work alongside leading peace organisations (Corrymeela, Understanding Conflict Trust, TIDES, Mediation NI), delivery partners (Youth Link, Youth Action, YMCA Belfast), and academic institutions (Ulster University, Trinity College Dublin, Notre Dame's Kroc Institute).
Our Story
From concept to impact
The Seed is Planted
San Antonio Rotary and Understanding Conflict Trust begin collaboration.
First Connections
Eight Rotary Student Fellows visit Northern Ireland.
Pilot Year
First cohort of 15 participants launches.
Global Grant
$158,000 Rotary grant enables expansion.
Growing Strong
30 participants with enhanced partnerships.
Our Goal
144 peace growers across Northern Ireland.