Community Relations in Schools (CRIS) celebrated its 40th anniversary in style at the Titanic Belfast.
Over 200 friends of the organisation – including local government leaders, representatives from fellow grassroots organisations, educators and principals, and parent/carer participants in CRIS’s whole school programmes – gathered in the iconic Titanic Suite on 15 March 2025 to reflect on the organisation's history and look forward to the future.
The Community Relations Council supports the organisation through its Core Funding Scheme.
Amid the current funding landscape, the event increased awareness of the charity’s impact and highlighted the importance of ongoing education-based peacebuilding efforts in Belfast and beyond.
CRIS was founded by activist educators at the height of the Troubles. Since then, the organisation has been involved in hundreds of ‘Buddy Up!’ shared education partnerships across school sectors, helping to build friendships founded in mutual trust and understanding between students, educators, and parents/carers.
The organisation continues to facilitate partnerships in North Belfast via the Everyday Peacebuilding initiative and in Newtonabbey through the NEST (Newtonabbey Empowering Schools Together) partnership. The organisation’s Trust Indicators, based on decades of education-based peacebuilding experience and research with Coventry University, have been peer reviewed and adapted for application beyond schools in business and government sectors.
Along with many other organisations, CRIS has felt the pains from the shifting funding climate post-COVID-19, as well as an overall decrease in essential funding for peacebuilding organisations across Northern Ireland. However, this work is more important than ever. In her speech at the anniversary event, CRIS CEO Lisa Dietrich-Bennett OBE said, “It has become clear that we must innovate and find new ways to share the stories of peace... That’s why CRIS has started the journey of expanding our reach. By engaging with the business community, forging meaningful charity partnerships, and articulating our social value we are ensuring that our impact continues to grow.”
The 40th Anniversary celebration was compèred by Carolyn Stewart, who reflected on her own experience of growing up in North Belfast during the Troubles and the importance of cross-community educational experiences in her own upbringing, as well as the need to continue such opportunities for students amid rising tensions around immigration and increased diversity in Belfast.
After a brief welcome from CRIS board chairperson, Dr. Norman Richardson, Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Cllr. Micky Murray, opened the evening with a toast to CRIS. A video compilation featured well-wishes from educators and partners who answered the question, ‘What is the impact of CRIS?’ In the video, Kevin McArevey, Principal of Holy Cross Boys’ Primary School, said that the programmes facilitated by CRIS have helped students to ‘...understand their own identities, their histories, and their relationships within the wider community. The reflections that they do on their own communities encourages the pupils to see both the familiar and the new perspectives on shared spaces … We don’t have to agree, but we do have to learn how to disagree well.’
Along with poignant stories from decades of partnerships, attendees were treated to incredible musical and vocal performances by entertainers from Beyond Skin, including guitarist Luigi Cirillo, vocalist Nasim Heidari, and pianist Shayan Kargaran. After an exquisite meal provided by the team at Titanic Events and input from stakeholders, attendees were treated to several hours of dancing and fun with DJ Terry at the helm.
The event raised over £6,000 for CRIS’s continued work in Belfast and beyond via a silent auction and raffle. Local businesses showed immense support in the form of unique auction and raffle items, including paintings and fine art, spirits, event tickets, and experiences. The celebratory evening was kindly sponsored by Lancia Consult, and local businesses Window to the Womb, and O’Kane’s Funeral Services graciously donated to the night as well.
In its long arc of involvement in grassroots peacebuilding, CRIS remains committed to the power of friendship and trust in an ever-changing world. The 40th anniversary celebration affirmed the support of community stakeholders based on CRIS's 40-year legacy and laid the foundation for more decades of good relations work to come.