04/07/2019
Peace Prize Nomination For Integrated Education Groups
Two integrated education campaign organisations in Northern Ireland have been jointly nominated to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) and the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) received the nomination from politicians and academics in recognition of their work to actively and intentionally celebrate religious and cultural integration in a divided society.
There are currently only 65 integrated schools in Northern Ireland, representing around 8% of total school enrolment.
The winner of the 2019 award will be chosen from hundreds of nominees, with the decision announced in October.
Tina Merron, Chief Executive of the IEF, said: "This is a great honour, and a testament to all the pioneers who have been committed to opening and developing integrated schools in the face of social challenges and political inertia. Thanks are due to the nominators and also to the donors and supporters who have helped grow integrated education in Northern Ireland in response to parental demand."
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said the nomination is a well-deserved recognition of both organisations.
The party's spokesperson for Integrated Education said: "This is fantastic news. Nobel Peace Prize winners from Northern Ireland are few and far between, with the last being David Trimble and John Hume, so I hope the IEF and NICIE join that prestigious list." Ms Armstrong added that the award is acknowledgement of the vital role integrated education has played in bringing an often fractured society together.
Lagan College in Belfast, the first planned integrated school, was awarded the Cross of Nails and, more recently, New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland received the Evens Peace Prize.
Roisin Marshall, CEO of NICIE, commented: "This Nobel nomination is the latest prestigious recognition of the spirit of the integrated education movement. It highlights the power of education in supporting peace building and reconciliation – and also acknowledges the dedication shown by committed campaigners over four decades in the face of social challenges and political inertia."
(JG/CM)
The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) and the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) received the nomination from politicians and academics in recognition of their work to actively and intentionally celebrate religious and cultural integration in a divided society.
There are currently only 65 integrated schools in Northern Ireland, representing around 8% of total school enrolment.
The winner of the 2019 award will be chosen from hundreds of nominees, with the decision announced in October.
Tina Merron, Chief Executive of the IEF, said: "This is a great honour, and a testament to all the pioneers who have been committed to opening and developing integrated schools in the face of social challenges and political inertia. Thanks are due to the nominators and also to the donors and supporters who have helped grow integrated education in Northern Ireland in response to parental demand."
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said the nomination is a well-deserved recognition of both organisations.
The party's spokesperson for Integrated Education said: "This is fantastic news. Nobel Peace Prize winners from Northern Ireland are few and far between, with the last being David Trimble and John Hume, so I hope the IEF and NICIE join that prestigious list." Ms Armstrong added that the award is acknowledgement of the vital role integrated education has played in bringing an often fractured society together.
Lagan College in Belfast, the first planned integrated school, was awarded the Cross of Nails and, more recently, New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland received the Evens Peace Prize.
Roisin Marshall, CEO of NICIE, commented: "This Nobel nomination is the latest prestigious recognition of the spirit of the integrated education movement. It highlights the power of education in supporting peace building and reconciliation – and also acknowledges the dedication shown by committed campaigners over four decades in the face of social challenges and political inertia."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 July 2022
£1.9m To Transform Integrated Education In NI
The UK Government is to provide funding of £1.9 million to transform integrated education in Northern Ireland, Secretary of State, Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP has announced during a visit to Lough View Integrated Primary School. The funding will help support schools through the transformation process as they work towards integrated status. The £1.
£1.9m To Transform Integrated Education In NI
The UK Government is to provide funding of £1.9 million to transform integrated education in Northern Ireland, Secretary of State, Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP has announced during a visit to Lough View Integrated Primary School. The funding will help support schools through the transformation process as they work towards integrated status. The £1.
20 November 2003
Alliance unveil plan for expanding integrated education
The Alliance party has unveiled a nine-point plan aimed at expanding integrated education in Northern Ireland. Education spokesperson, Eileen Bell said that while integrated education wasn't the total solution to problems locally, it was vital for the future of Northern Ireland if divisions between the two communities were to be overcome.
Alliance unveil plan for expanding integrated education
The Alliance party has unveiled a nine-point plan aimed at expanding integrated education in Northern Ireland. Education spokesperson, Eileen Bell said that while integrated education wasn't the total solution to problems locally, it was vital for the future of Northern Ireland if divisions between the two communities were to be overcome.
04 September 2006
Integrated schools to open despite funding block
Two integrated schools are opening their doors to children to pupils for the first time after not receiving funding from the Department of Education.
Integrated schools to open despite funding block
Two integrated schools are opening their doors to children to pupils for the first time after not receiving funding from the Department of Education.
18 January 2006
Study reveals that integrated schools are less sectarian
A report released by Queens University today, has revealed that people who attend integrated schools in Northern Ireland could create a new "political common ground.
Study reveals that integrated schools are less sectarian
A report released by Queens University today, has revealed that people who attend integrated schools in Northern Ireland could create a new "political common ground.
11 March 2024
Givan Urged To 'Met His Obligations' On Integrated Education
The Alliance Party has called on the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to met his obligations on integrated education following the removal of funding for a number of local schools.
Givan Urged To 'Met His Obligations' On Integrated Education
The Alliance Party has called on the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to met his obligations on integrated education following the removal of funding for a number of local schools.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.