Nigel Glenny is a graduate of Stranmillis University College (Queens University Belfast) with a First Class Honours degree in Education (Religious Studies, History). He began his career as a history teacher, then moved into local government as an education officer, where he designed and taught a wide range of experiential learning programs for schools, colleges, youth and community groups. Much of this work used elements of Irish cultural traditions to foster cross-community contact between Protestant and Catholic groups from divided communities within Northern Ireland. Nigel most recently worked several years at a leading non-governmental organization engaged in peace and capacity-building initiatives throughout the island of Ireland. At that organization, he developed an international Citizenship Action Project that reached across communities in Northern Ireland, across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and across the Atlantic to the United States. He created materials for learning about peace and reconciliation, led programs in how to facilitate student engagement, and trained teachers and youth workers throughout Ireland and the United States.
Teaching & Learning with HECUA Students
A man from Guatemala once told me “You will always need to return home. When you have a child you will want them to know the place that made you who you are.” I could understand why he thought Northern Ireland was important to me--we were attending an international conference and had just delivered passionate presentations on issues relating to young people and civic participation in our respective countries. But, I was not as sure "home" meant so much to me--at the end of the conference I was flying back to Northern Ireland only to pack my bags and get as far away from the place as possible. My entire life had been shaped by the conflict in Northern Ireland: relationships, education, and now work. Having tried to "make a difference," I wondered if it was time to just "move on."
Seven years after the conversation with my Guatemalan colleague, I am back "home" having just completed my fourth semester as Programme Director for the Northern Ireland Democracy and Social Change programme. So what happened?
Well I did find time to get away. My wife and I traveled around the world and experienced as much of it as we could. Being away from Northern Ireland I embraced new spaces but I also gained something unexpected--many of these new places, people and events challenged my understanding of the issues presented at home. These experiences caused me to deeply reflect on a number of things for the first time. I returned to Northern Ireland with more questions than ever. I was also much more critical of some of the "answers" I had been offering before I left.
To question is to be in good company--“Anyone who isn’t confused here doesn’t really understand what is going on” is a quote often used to illustrate the complexities of understanding life in Northern Ireland. Yet understanding Northern Ireland, its violent past and the potential for a peaceful future is the incredible task HECUA students engage in.
Northern Ireland Democracy and Social Change, like all HECUA programs, is about "real world" learning. Students who come here engage in real problems and work in relationship with real people who are attempting to affect real social change.
The community is our classroom and it is here that we develop knowledge together.
So, as someone who came "home" wanting to understand more, it is easy to see why I find working with HECUA students incredibly rewarding. The students teach those who work with them so much. Their perspective and insight into life in Northern Ireland is exceptionally valuable. The importance of this cannot be overstated, especially for the context in which I work. Key to the success of attempts being made to move out of violent conflict and into peace, is learning how to listen to and value "the other’s" view.
Have I any other motivations to stay here and teach? One week after I was offered the position of Program Director our first child was born--it would appear my Guatemalan friend was right after all!
My Research and Current Projects
In addition to my role as Programme Director for the Northern Ireland HECUA programme, I am Lecturer in INCORE, the International Conflict Research Institute on the University’s Magee campus.
Combining research, education and comparative analysis, INCORE addresses the causes and consequences of conflict in Northern Ireland and internationally and promotes conflict resolution management strategies. It aims to influence policymakers and practitioners involved in peace, conflict and reconciliation issues while enhancing international conflict research. I do work on these themes through teaching and research that contributes to the HECUA program in a number of ways. I am currently working on projects that are deepening work with community partners and developing international connections.
I am interested in civic engagement, understandings of this, and initiatives designed facilitate it. With particular reference to Northern Ireland, I am interested in the civic mission of universities, the public, community and faith sectors, and how local-global connections could be utilized to facilitate civic engagement and good community relations.