Teaching Divided Histories conference

The topic of reporting and documenting conflict will take centre stage at a special ‘Teaching Divided Histories’ conference at The Masonic Hall in Londonderry on November 18 and 19, as leading voices from across the world gather to explore the diverse subject.
By Staff Reporter
Published 5th Nov 2013, 14:38 BST

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Mariane PearlMariane Pearl
Mariane Pearl

Keynote speakers will include Mariane Pearl, author of A Mighty Heart, a work later transformed into a major Hollywood blockbuster starring Angelina Jolie.

Organised by the Nerve Centre and the British Council NI, the conference is part of an innovative three year ‘Teaching Divided Histories’ project supported by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, which is introducing new approaches to the study of conflict into schools throughout Ireland and internationally, to transfer knowledge and expertise between conflict affected societies.

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Mariane Pearl will speak frankly about the production of ‘A Mighty Heart’, a film which documents the true story of the kidnap and murder of her husband, journalist Daniel Pearl, in 2002. Organisers are also delighted to have Andrew Eaton, producer of ‘In This World’, and Olly Lambert, journalist and documentary maker of ‘Syria: Across The Lines’, adding their unique experiences of documentary and film.

Elsewhere, the event will explore reporting in conflict zones with discussions from ex-RTÉ Chief News Correspondent Charlie Bird and BAFTA winning cameraman Mark McCauley, both of whom have reported from some of the world’s most dangerous war environments. Journalist and writer Ed Vulliamy will give delegates an insight into his years spent as Foreign Correspondent for a range of publications including the Guardian, whilst Ian Christie will relate his experiences of conflict education, and the use of film as a stimulus for teaching history.

Emma McDermott, TDH project manager at the Nerve Centre, hopes the conference will raise some exciting debate.

“We are delighted to have such a distinguished line-up of guests and experts coming to the city to share their experiences of conflict from across the world. The event is a perfect opportunity for budding journalists, aspiring documentary or film makers, peacemakers and educators to come along and be inspired by some of the foremost voices in their field.”

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The second day of the conference will focus strongly on conflict education, encouraging new learning and inspirations from other post-conflict societies.

International perspectives will be delivered by Jo Beall (British Council Director Education and Society), Megha Malhotra (Seagull Foundation, India), Mary Gannon (CDETB), Samya Abou Hamad (Head of the English Department at the Centre for Educational Research and Development) and Richard Kearney (Boston College Guestbook Project).

The event will also hear from teachers in Derry and South Africa who are directly involved in partnership work through the TDH project while more speakers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

For further information on the conference and how you can book a place please visit: www.nervecentre.org/TeachingDividedHistories

Or follow the project via the Facebook and Twitter social media sites: www.facebook.com/teachingdividedhistories

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