The cross-border partnership between St Columba’s College Stranorlar and Strabane Academy is a blueprint for shared education in action. From exploring nature in Glenveagh National Park, where the pupils connected and built new friendships, to taking part in a mock debate in Guildhall, this partnership creates an open space for dialogue around peace and reconciliation. Both pupils and staff reflect the aims of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE, which seeks to create a society where differences are celebrated. Read on to learn more about their recent trip to Derry - Londonderry!
In December, pupils from both schools travelled to Derry - Londonderry, where they took part in a guided tour of Guildhall and the Tower Museum. The visit took the pupils on a journey through time, reflecting on key milestones from the city's history, concluding with a workshop on improving local communities. The session had clear links to peace and reconciliation, encouraging balanced and shared perspectives. Pupils were supported to work together and express their views, with leaders, Ms. Andrena Cowan and Ms. Bridgeen Mac Manus, co-delivering the session across the whole group.
During the session, pupils also had the opportunity to participate in a short mock debate in the council chamber, actively engaging with democratic life. This session highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership working in supporting young people to grow and develop within a diverse, shared society.
Throughout the partnership, pupils will continue to collaborate online in a shared and safe space, where they can reflect on activities, share their views and help shape the programme for next year. In the coming months, two activities focused on creativity and independent working will see pupils create individual art pieces symbolising the connection between both school communities, expressing their own creativity and cultural identity in a respectful and inclusive way
Reflecting on their experience of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE and their trip to Derry - Londonderry, one pupil from St Columba’s College spoke on the wider impact of the programme on their local communities:
“It’s mostly important for the community - two different communities sharing and making new friends,"
Sitting on the couch from the iconic Derry Girls set, this reflection captures the value and true essence of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE: building connections, empowering pupils and supporting active participation in a peaceful society.
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE (Advancing Shared Partnerships through Inclusive Relationships in Education) is a collaboration between Léargas, the Education Authority (lead partner), Early Years- the organisation for young children, National Childhood Network (NCN) and the Fermanagh Trust. The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It aims to provide direct and sustained contact between children and young people from all backgrounds.
To learn more about PEACEPLUS ASPIRE, check out our website here.