Cara
"The programme has made me rethink conflict, digging deeper into the before and after an issue occurs and reflecting more on how I respond initially when conflict arises and what I do after the dust has settled."
What is your name, how old are you, and where are you from?
My name is Cara, I am 20 years old and I am from Belfast. My Youth Worker Ryan asked me if I was interested in joining the Seeds of Hope programme and helped me fill out the application form.
What is your current background? Are you studying, working, volunteering, or exploring your next steps?
I am currently studying Law at Queen’s University Belfast. I am the Chairperson of Belfast City Youth Council, where I was a Co-Researcher for the RADICAL Project in collaboration with the Children’s Rights Centre, and I volunteered for YMCA Belfast. Additionally, I am a One Young World Ambassador, having attended the One Young World Munich 2025 Summit.
What hobby or interest do you have that best reflects who you are as a person?
I like making birthday cards for my friends, sudoku, word-searches, and baking.
What interests, experiences, or causes are you particularly passionate about?
I am interested in Human Rights Law, and I am passionate about Children’s Rights and healthcare experiences for young people.
What are your personal and/or professional goals for the future?
I am interested in a career in Law and the public sector and, personally, I want to learn more Irish and history, both locally and globally.
Has the Seeds of Hope programme influenced your direction, outlook, or mindset in any way? If so, how?
The programme has made me rethink conflict, digging deeper into the before and after an issue occurs and reflecting more on how I respond initially when conflict arises and what I do after the dust has settled.
What aspects of the programme have you enjoyed the most?
I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone, especially since we eat together and have free time to share. You always manage to learn something new about the group.
What key insights, skills, or experiences have you gained through participating in the programme?
I have really enjoyed learning about conflict resolution and the role of women. When people talk about peace it’s often only in the context of political figures meeting, but those impacted most are civilians, and we rarely hear about their experiences unless it’s a family member who feels comfortable talking about it.
We are told about the peace agreement being an international success, but we rarely hear about the international context, especially that one reason it is hailed as successful is because other countries have often struggled to recover from conflict to the same extent.