Project speakers are ordinary people who had to deal with some extraordinary circumstances
“It’s a unique opportunity to hear about the lives of ordinary people who have had to deal with some extraordinary circumstances, and how they have found other ways of doing things.
“And perhaps hearing these stories will help young people deal with difficult issues like bullying and other personal challenges. The Kinsale Peace Project is a small community- based organisation, and we just work away quietly. There’s just the two of us, I’m in insurance and Gerard is a web designer. We don’t charge for any of these events, because we want everyone to be able to attend, but we do welcome donations to help cover costs.
“And since we don’t have any money, we are limited in the guests we can invite. What we do once we’ve agreed on a potential speaker is that we call their office, explain what we are all about, and invite them to come to Kinsale. And it’s been heartening to realise just how many people are willing to support us.
“So far, our speakers have covered a broad canvas of personal and political experiences. We had both the Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors here last year for instance, and that was a remarkable experience for us all.
“We hold our events in the Carmelite Friary Centre which, since it is a retreat, provides a very special and calm atmosphere. We are lucky Sister Stan’s able to join us here. If we had lots of funding, then perhaps we could invite the kind of speakers who charge thousands for an appearance, the likes of Bill Clinton for instance. But that’s not really what we are all about. We are very happy with the work we are doing and the fantastic support that the Kinsale Peace Project continues to receive from some of the most significant speakers and activists of our time.”
