Some of Northern Ireland's younger generations are set to play a role in a rare project to record personal experiences of the region's troubled past.
A new oral history toolkit has been designed to help young people explore and record experiences for the benefit of future generations. Our Stories: Spoken, Recorded, Remembered was launched at the Ulster Museum and backed by Commissioner for Victims and Survivors Joe McVey.
Toolkit developed with young people
The concept was developed by oral historian Professor Chris Reynolds of Nottingham Trent University, along with young people aged 14-25, for those aged 11 and above, whose work includes the Voices of Conflict and Peace project that has seen the development of both the Voices of '68 and Voices of '74 exhibitions.
Mr McVey said the initiative encourages young people to hear the human experience behind history.
"Understanding our past is an important part of building a better future," he said.
"As we consider how future generations will learn about the Troubles/conflict, we also need to consider how the lived experiences of those directly affected can form part of that understanding.
"Oral history allows young people to hear the human experience behind our history – to listen, ask questions and understand how events continue to affect individuals, families and communities.
"At a time when we are having important conversations about how the Troubles/conflict will be taught and understood by future generations, this toolkit has real potential as an educational resource."
Professor inspired by young people's enthusiasm
Professor Reynolds said the enthusiasm of young people inspired his work.
"I developed this toolkit out of my collaborative work with National Museums NI, where oral history has been central to exploring the legacies of the past," he said.
"Through this project, I was struck by the enthusiasm, capability and willingness of young people to engage with these histories and become part of wider conversations about how the past is understood and remembered.
"Of all the strands of my work in this area, this project is perhaps the one that fills me with the greatest sense of positivity and hope for the future.
"Equipping young people with oral history skills creates new pathways for this work to reach wider society and empowers a new generation to contribute to building a sustainable peace."
Youth forum and museum welcome launch
Natalie Corbett, interim chief executive, Northern Ireland Youth Forum added: "We are incredibly proud of the young people who have been at the heart of this work.
"They have engaged with difficult conversations about our past with real thought and respect.
"It was important to us that young people were not simply consulted but had a lead role in shaping this resource. Their contribution has created something that other young people can now use to explore our past and understand its impact today."
William Blair, director of collections at National Museums NI, welcomed the launch.
"Through our Troubles and Beyond programme at the Ulster Museum, we are committed to creating spaces where diverse experiences and perspectives can be explored with empathy, respect and understanding," he said.
"Young people have a vital role to play in these conversations, bringing curiosity, insight and fresh perspectives to how we remember and learn from the past.
"We also recognise the vision and commitment of the Commission for Victims and Survivors and the Northern Ireland Youth Forum in bringing this valuable resource to fruition.
"Their leadership and partnership have helped create a toolkit that will support meaningful dialogue, deepen understanding of our shared past, and help ensure that diverse voices and experiences continue to inform how we understand our past and shape our future."
