From Belfast, Northern Ireland to Central West Virginia: A Comparative Exploration of Conflict and Poverty in Relationship to Community Sustainability and Economic Development
Fairmont State University 2012 ATP students partnered with various branches of the West Virginia United Methodist Conference. The East Belfast Mission in Northern Ireland, the Appalachian Ministries Network, the Heart and Hand House (Philippi), Parish House (Buckhannon), and the Scotts Run Mission (Monongalia County) in West Virginia are all projects or organizations of the United Methodist Church. This project focused on the work of these United Methodist Conference activities in Northern Ireland and West Virginia, in relationship to conflict resolution, leadership, and economic development planning. Students built upon first person experiences of their 2012 Road to Appalachia ETSU Education Abroad through Northern Ireland. With various field studies in West Virginia, students developed leadership skills and became active learners and participants by adapting previously observed and learned concepts from their study abroad.
Contact Information:
Judy Byers, Ph.D.
Director, West Virginia Folklife Center
Fairmont State University
1201 Locust Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
Telephone: 304-367-4286
E-Mail: jbyers@fairmontstate.edu
Previous Conference Participation: 2011 2010 2009