The 3Rs of integration: respect, recognition and reconciliation; concepts and practices of integrated schools in Israel and Northern Ireland

Abstract

Integrated schools in Israel and Northern Ireland create a shared educational environment for communities separated by intractable conflict. This article reports on comparative research undertaken in schools in each region that pursued how integration is understood and practiced. In my findings, I present the central values of integration, termed the ‘3Rs of integration: respect, recognition and reconciliation’ and explain the regional differences in how the 3Rs of Integration shape the unique educational alternative provided by the schools. The discussion highlights transferable lessons, and considers these as they relate to each society’s local context and the goals of peace education.