LCC International University > Research at LCC > Project – Peace at the Margins: Connecting through Language lithuanian
"Peace at the Margins" was a ~1.5-year peacebuilding initiative (November 2024 – January 2026), co-designed and implemented with Prirašytos Rankos NGO, and supported by EU Solidarity Corps funding through the "Connecting through Language" program (March 2025 – January 2026). Rather than a fixed curriculum, the project was conceived as a reflective, evolving process — one built around consistent human presence inside prison walls.
The project launched in Šiauliai with a warm reception from the prison administration and genuine enthusiasm from participants. Early sessions combined structured English lessons with open conversation. Over time, a clear shift emerged: the most meaningful exchanges happened not in formal instruction, but in unstructured pair conversations — where dialogue could unfold naturally and both sides felt seen. This format consistently proved the most impactful. Volunteers and participants alike described these encounters as among the most human and respectful they had experienced within the prison environment.
Programming was adapted throughout the project based on feedback and the emotional climate of each visit. Highlights included:
Martyna led monthly English lessons at Šiauliai Prison as part of the project. Her first session made one thing clear — the participants came to learn.
Martyna Marčauskienė
English Teacher, LCC International University
Change was often quiet — but real. Among participants, the project brought increased openness, moments of vulnerability, and a growing willingness to reflect. Among volunteers, it was frequently transformative:
One student, inspired by his encounters at the prison, chose to write his BA thesis in partnership with the institution — conducting action research on rehabilitative and restorative practices.
Participants showed growing willingness to reflect on their lives and perspectives, including moments of genuine vulnerability.
For many volunteers, the project challenged their assumptions about incarceration, punishment, and rehabilitation. Stereotypes gave way to empathy and a deeper understanding of structural inequality and human resilience.
This project reaffirmed what consistent, respectful dialogue can do in spaces defined by control and distance. It created openings — for reflection, for connection, for change — on both sides of the prison walls.
2026-05-19
The Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation invites LCC students, staff, alumni, and external participants to join the accredited Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DPC) training in Klaipėda on June 3–6, 2026.This in-depth and interactive training equips participants with practical tools for constructive dialogue, conflict transformation, empathic communication, and sustainable peacebuilding. Through reflection, scenario-based learning, and hands-on exercises, participants will strengthen their ability to navigate difficult conversations and foster positive change in their communities, workplaces, and academic environments.Training ModulesModule 1: Understanding Conflict and ChangeParticipants will explore five areas of learning that support their understanding of conflict and change resistance:The Conflict ContinuumThe Biology of ConflictThe Impact of Rivalry and ScapegoatingThe Conflict Management ToolkitThe Three Core DPC ModelsModule 2: Empathic and Mediative CommunicationParticipants will explore and practice five key learning areas for effective communication:Effective Listening and Mediative SkillsSuspending JudgmentThe Challenge of Organizational and Cultural ChangeThe DPC 6-Stage Mediative FrameworkSkill-Building Through Scenario WorkParticipation FeesExternal Participants175 EUR per module325 EUR for both modulesLCC Internal ParticipantsStudents: 20 EUR per module or 40 EUR for both modulesStaff: 50 EUR per module or 90 EUR for both modulesDPC Training overview ↗Register now ↗
2026-05-19
Search LCC
Press ESC key to exit