Over one hundred sixth form pupils from 20 different schools across Northern Ireland came together in Belfast to take part in a special Sharing in Education conference. The conference, which formed part of the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust’s Sharing Education Together peer-led dialogue and learning Project, is funded by the International Fund for Ireland through its Sharing in Education Programme. Pictured is (from left) Laura Witherspoon from Belfast, Michael Arlow, Director of Spirit of Enniskillen, Mary Southwell, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland and Kyle Walker from Belfast.

Over one hundred sixth form pupils from 20 different schools across Northern Ireland came together in Belfast on 2^nd February to take part in a special Sharing in Education conference.

The conference, which formed part of the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust’s Sharing Education Together peer-led dialogue and learning Project, is funded by the International Fund for Ireland through its Sharing in Education Programme.

The conference marked the culmination of a series of events and workshops held in schools over the past year aimed at empowering pupils to develop dialogue and leadership skills so that they can make their own commitment towards a shared and better future for everyone.

Speaking at the launch, Mary Southwell, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “The Fund has been at the forefront of pioneering and delivering shared education programmes for many years. We understand the importance of providing opportunities for young people to learn together so that barriers can be broken down and friendships can be forged. The benefit we will derive as a society is one of a future that is both peaceful and shared.

The International Fund for Ireland welcomes the Executive’s commitment in the draft Programme for Government to establish a Ministerial advisory group specifically to advance shared education and ensure all children will participate in shared education.

Finally I would like to thank the work of the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust and others, along with our managing agents for the Sharing in Education Programme, the Department of Education. Collaboratively we have shown that shared education can and does work. “

Education Minister, John O’Dowd said: “Political development and changing attitudes, together with the current economic pressures, has allowed for the progression towards a more collaborative approach between and across educational sectors.  I welcome this collaboration and over the next few years I expect to see an increase in the level and type of sharing between schools to deliver shared education.  In fact, the draft Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a Ministerial Advisory Group to explore and bring forward recommendations to advance shared education.

I would like to congratulate all the young people who have been involved in the Together Project which is unique in its approach to using trained young volunteers and peer mentors to support partnerships between teachers and pupils.  In my opinion this important programme is helping to create leaders for tomorrow.

I would also like to acknowledge the investment of the International Fund for Ireland through its Sharing in Education Programme and the real benefits which its funding has provided for our young people.  Finally, I would like to thank the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust and in particular the young volunteers for their contribution in taking forward this valuable and innovative programme.”

Michael Arlow, Director of Spirit of Enniskillen, said: "Today is a celebration of the achievement of over 100 participants and the commitment of our skilled young volunteers. The work of all of these young people is an important contribution to making ‘Sharing in Education’ a reality in schools. The leadership and dialogue skills they have learned will help them to be more engaged citizens working for a better Northern Ireland. I hope that their experience will also equip them to compete in the increasingly difficult jobs market."

Over the past five months Spirit of Enniskillen volunteers have been working in schools of all backgrounds to develop personal dialogue skills in many hundreds of pupils. Following this 115 pupils were selected to participate in further residential courses where they continued to explore differences and build on their potential to lead dialogue with others.

Spirit of Enniskillen volunteers believe is that it is essential to have committed young people who can work effectively for better understanding and reconciliation across Northern Ireland. The Spirit of Enniskillen organisation understands that leadership needs to be demonstrated rather than taught and is therefore focused on young people leading change.

As part of the conference the sixth form students were presented with a certificate in Leadership and Dialogue from the Open College Network for completing the accredited course as part of the Project.

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