Thinking Changes is a cross-community peace-building project that uses philosophical enquiry and the award-winning documentary Young Plato to bring young people together across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Communities
Thinking Changes: Philosophical enquiry and peace-building
Thoughtful is proud to continue supporting the Thinking Changes project led by Guth Gafa as it enters its fourth year (2026-2027), funded through the DFA Peace and Reconciliation Fund.
Young Plato
Thinking Changes uses philosophical enquiry to explore themes raised by the award-winning documentary Young Plato, engaging young people across communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Directed by Declan McGrath and Neasa Ní Chianáin, and produced by Soilsiú Films the film follows school headteacher Kevin McArevey and his pupils at Holy Cross Boys’ Primary School in Belfast. Set against the backdrop of post-conflict North Belfast, Young Plato explores themes of education, philosophy, masculinity, violence, identity and hope, showing how dialogue and critical thinking can empower young people to imagine alternatives to sectarianism and division.
You can stream Young Plato on Amazon and Apple TV.
Thinking Changes
Over the past three years, Thinking Changes has grown into a significant cross-community initiative supporting dialogue, empathy and critical thinking among young people. Thoughtful’s involvement began when director Dr Grace Lockrobin and Thoughtful Trainer Kate Halliwell facilitated a philosophical enquiry following a screening of Young Plato in Sheffield. The response from children, teachers, parents and young people demonstrated the film’s remarkable ability to spark meaningful conversations about identity, education, belonging and social change.
Since then, Thoughtful has supported Guth Gafa’s efforts to bring their innovative programme of film screenings, teacher and youth worker training, and youth workshops for schools and clubs from different communities to come together, ask difficult questions and engage in respectful dialogue. The programme has also demonstrated the wider value of philosophical enquiry in communities shaped by division and conflict. By encouraging active listening, compassionate discussion and thoughtful questioning, Thinking Changes has helped young people connect more meaningfully with one another and reflect on how they can contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful society.
The Facilitator’s Toolkit
Our main contribution has been the co-design and production of a teachers’ resource pack to support schools and facilitators taking part in the programme. This work was in collaboration with philosophers and educators, Łukasz Krzywoń, Dr Georgios Petropoulus and Peter Worley. (Peter’s books and his work with The Philosophy Foundation inspired Kevin McArevey and work that continues at Holy Cross).
You can find a sample resource from the Young Plato Facilitator’s Toolkit in our resource library.
Next steps
Now entering its fourth year, the project will build on the learning and relationships developed during earlier phases while widening access through collaboration with Thoughtful, University College Dublin, Queen’s University Belfast, and other partners.
Together, the partnership aims to create even more opportunities for shared philosophical experiences across border communities in Ireland and Northern Ireland. By fostering respectful dialogue and active participation, Thinking Changes continues to contribute to peace-building efforts in communities affected by division and conflict. Thoughtful is delighted to support this next stage of the journey and looks forward to continuing its partnership in advancing peace and reconciliation through philosophical enquiry.
Young Plato sample
