Community Relations in Schools (CRIS) is an education and peacebuilding charity established in 1984 at the height of political conflict by teachers who believed that education had a role to play in transforming conflict.
Today, CRIS remains convinced of the power of education to transform lives. CRIS’s vision is for “An inclusive and dynamic society, built on respect and trust, where all children and young people can reach their true potential”
To achieve this vision, CRIS’s mission is “To inspire and equip whole school communities as powerful catalysts for peace and reconciliation” by working with all school stakeholders: children, parents, teachers and school leaders.
Key Programmes:
-Buddy Up! partners schools together to offer children a chance to develop one-to-one friendships across traditional communal divides. Working with their ‘Buddy’, the children take part in good relations programmes such as ‘Celebrating Diversity’ (Ages 7-9), and ‘Knowing Me Knowing You’ (ages 10-12) where they learn to value themselves, respect others and develop their skills and attitudes of empathy, understanding and conflict resolution. Parents are invited to join and support their children to celebrate its success.
-Growing GRACE: Supported by CRIS, schools leaders come together in local area networks representing diverse school sectors & communities. Together school leaders collaborate to identify and address local common needs with a united voice and mission.