Pictured at the launch of the International Fund for Ireland's Welcoming Schools Project was from left: Front row: James McAllinden, Ariana Gomes, Sophie Harbinson and Christian Alfar. Back row: Jayne Simms Welcoming Schools Project Manager, Dr John Novak, Education Minister John O'Dowd, Dr Denis Rooney Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, Plunkett Campbell Chairman of the SELB and John Unsworth Assistant Senior Education Officer SELB.

The launch of a new pilot project to develop a welcoming ethos and atmosphere within schools has prompted the attention of a leading educational academic from Canada.

The International Fund for Ireland’s Welcoming Schools Project launched today, (Friday 23rd September), is a three year initiative which aims to develop a welcoming schools agenda built on the foundations of inclusivity, respect for others and a celebration of diversity within each school culture.

Over the next three years 24 schools from the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) will take part in the pilot programme with eight participating in the first year. It is intended that if successful the Project’s model could be used as a framework for shared education in other countries.

News of the Project prompted leading academic and author Dr. John Novak whose field of study is invitational education – the art of making schools welcoming to everyone – to attend the launch event and participate in the initial training for schools.

Denis Rooney CBE, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “The Welcoming Schools Project is the latest ground breaking initiative to be launched as part of our wider Sharing in Education Programme.

“The new Project will support schools to take proactive steps to make them a more welcoming place for all pupils regardless of religion, race or creed with the eventual aim of increasing the diversity and mix within the pupil intake.” 

“The Project forms part of our Sharing in Education Programme which is integral to the International Fund for Ireland’s strategy to facilitate more sharing and to promote reconciliation and non-sectarianism in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties.”

“The impacts of this programme may not be apparent in the short term but it has the potential to offer one the most effective and efficient solutions to segregated education in the medium to longer term “

Education Minister, John O’Dowd said: “I am delighted to be here today at the launch of the Welcoming Schools project.

“There is a great need for initiatives like this across the north given the legacy of the past. This innovative project will benefit young people by encouraging them to interact with others from different backgrounds in their community. 
 
“For many years schools have been at the forefront of dealing with the issues arising from the period of conflict.  Indeed, during the most difficult periods in our recent history, schools had to remain a safe and stable environment where the focus was on educating young people.  Schools are therefore in an ideal position to act as a catalyst for change in communities with support from projects such as this.

“I also welcome the fact that this project closely aligns with my Department’s policies, in particular, Every School a Good School, the Extended Schools programme and the new Community Relations, Equality and Diversity policy which was launched earlier this year.

“This is a very challenging project and I commend the Southern Education and Library Board and in particular the first eight schools involved in the pilot for their willingness to participate.  I look forward to hearing more about this project over the course of the next three years.” 

Professor John Novak said: “I am excited about this project and am looking forward to sharing ideas about welcoming schools that have been developed around the world. Connecting with the inviting school movement is a chance for educators from around the world to sustain creative practices that make a difference in students’ lives.”

John Unsworth of the Southern Education and Library Board, said: “The Southern Education and Library Board is delighted to be working in partnership with schools, supported by the Fund in this exciting initiative. The Welcoming School Project builds on the commitment which many schools in the board area are giving to the promotion of respect for diversity and the nurturing of a welcoming and inclusive school ethos. We are honoured to have the support of Dr. John Novak in this project and look forward to the international perspective which this involvement will bring.

As part of the Project, a Welcoming Schools award will be given to schools that reach a specified benchmark in making themselves welcoming to all.

The cross-community Sharing in Education Programme seeks to break down barriers from Northern Ireland’s historic conflict by providing a range of opportunities for young people to learn and work together. To date over £15m has been invested in SiEP which was launched in 2009.

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