While the editors acknowledge in their Introduction that the story of mutual understanding and diversity work in education in Northern Ireland has not been without its difficulties, they are keen to draw out the valuable legacy of this work and the need to learn from both the positive and negative aspects of it. In this way the book points to the future as well as reflecting on the past and reminds educators and policy makers about the need for continued attention to these important issues:
'Mutual understanding and respect for diversity can never be taken for granted in any society; they need to be part of the continuing process of building a fair and inclusive society, whether the issues are about sectarianism, racism or any other failures in human relationships.' (p. 19)
While there is no chapter on the interface of education for diversity and Religious Education, this book will be of interest to religious educators in Northern Ireland, many of whom have been involved in diversity work during the last twenty five years and a new generation of whom are responding to the challenge of integrating inter-cultural education into their teaching. In this regard the chapters on Dealing with Conflict and Prejudice (Jerry Tyrrell with Seamus Farell); Creating Safe Spaces for Exploring Diversity (Mary Potter); Circles for Learning (Kathryn Edgar) and Teaching Controversial Issues (Norman Richardson) will be of particular interest.
However, this is not a book that is limited to local issues and as Barry Van Driel, Secretary General of the International Association for Intercultural Education, states in his Foreword, 'the strategies and insights gained from developing co-existence models in Northern Ireland are relevant for a continent that is increasingly being defined by nationalism and intolerance towards immigrants, Muslims, refugees, Roma (gypsies) and other minority groups.' (p. 13)
Education for Diversity and Mutual Understanding: the experience of Northern Ireland is published by Peter Lang International.