Iryna Eihelson

• Eastern European Network of GPPAC
• Dialogue Facilitator

I educate adults with various aspects of peace building in identity-based conflicts. This work includes ethnic minorities and cultural sensitivity; conflicts of various ethnic and linguistic groups; the new division in the East of Ukraine and the consequences of war; the reform of decentralization and dialogue and conflict prevention in amalgamated communities; and in general enhancing social cohesion in Ukraine through educational means. I'm a trainer for journalists, teachers, police, local and central authorities, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and activists, and community leaders. In training and dialogue work, I touch upon the topics of re-humanization and diversity, memory of conflicts and conflicts of memory, moral dilemmas in conflict, media in conflict and peace building. In addition, I conduct conflict analysis and other related research. An understanding that this is a kind of a Sisyphus's work helps me go through the moments of uncertainty and disbelief in myself.

One of the most heartwarming moments is when an adult person (teacher or journalist, a minority representative or community leader) tells you: "But where have you been all these years! I was waiting for you (for this course, for this training) for so long!"