Rural Community network (RCN), in conjunction with independent consultant Craig Barr, developed a new OCN level 3 programme called ‘Understanding Commemorations’.

This first round of training was funded by the Reconciliation Fund through the Department of Foreign Affairs where 18 people from across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area engaged in a six month long programme of training.

The training included face-to-face workshops; a site visit to Fort Dunree, a site visit to Derry/Londonderry and also a site visit to Dublin. The course looked at what commemoration meant, local, national and international examples of commemoration as well as ethical and shared frameworks for commemoration.

What worked well and what, if anything, didn't?

The project was continuously monitored and a full evaluation was completed. Whilst the programme itself had very positive feedback in terms of discussion, quality delivery, excellent site visits and lots of overall learning, the programme in terms of adult learners did present a challenge when it came to completing the Level 3 qualification.

On reflection, RCN will now to simplifying the assessment process as well as dropping the training to an OCN Level 2 with an opt in opt out in terms of completing assessment workbooks for accreditation.

Further Information

Charmain Jones, info@ruralcommunitynetwork.org