The partnership between two Donegal schools, Scoil Mhuire Gleneely and Scoil Treasa Naofa, focuses on promoting wellbeing, shared education, and peace and reconciliation, with all pupils actively involved. Their activities kicked off with an introductory day designed to support relationship‑building and help pupils get to know one another in a positive, inclusive environment. Throughout their activities, pupils will engage in positive dialogue and collaborative work, connect with local organisations such as Malin GAA and Gleneely Colts, and become active citizens in their local area through litter clean-ups and creative arts sessions.
Read on to learn more about the transformative impact of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE on pupil attitudes to learning, growing confidence and positive staff development!
On their initial shared session, pupils agreed a group contract and took part in a range of structured icebreakers, co-operative games, and art-based, sporting and music activities. These activities were designed to encourage interaction, teamwork and mutual understanding and bring the aims of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE to life. Pupils have also participated in a cross-border visit and a creative arts day, which offered further opportunities to engage in music, drama and dance while supporting relationship-building, collaboration and shared learning.
This partnership connects young people with peers from different backgrounds, fostering empathy, collaboration and mutual understanding. Through regular joint activities, pupils develop the communication skills and social confidence necessary to thrive in a diverse society. Over time, these experiences through PEACEPLUS ASPIRE will help shape young people to be more open, respectful and prepared to participate positively in shared and diverse communities.
When talking about pupil development, teacher Karen McDermott from Scoil Mhuire Gleneely said:
Pupils are benefiting greatly from PEACEPLUS ASPIRE. Attendance has improved, and the programme appears to be helping some pupils develop a more positive attitude towards school and learning. Pupils have grown in confidence as they genuinely enjoy and gain a great deal from the experience. Becoming familiar with teachers in the partner school has also helped pupils feel more connected.
Through this PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership, pupils are developing an increased understanding of neurodiversity, SEN, and language diversity. Recognising that everyone learns and communicates in different ways, these differences are respected and valued - particularly in relation to pupils with autism and those learning English as an additional language. Inclusive practices and strong staff modelling help create a safe, respectful environment where pupils feel a genuine sense of belonging.
With a diverse population across the partnership, this work is vital in celebrating and supporting all pupils to learn and thrive together. PEACEPLUS ASPIRE aims to bring young people from diverse backgrounds together to promote mutual understanding and inclusivity, ultimately helping to create a society where differences are celebrated. This partnership truly embodies and brings these aims to life.
Karen McDermott also spoke on staff development, saying:
Staff have benefited too; our partner school has established autism classes, and the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise has been extremely valuable. One of the most valuable aspects of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE has been the opportunity to connect with, learn from, and support peers.
Throughout their activities, both schools hope to strengthen their partnership through shared planning, leadership initiatives, and the exchange of inclusive practices and resources, ensuring pupils continue to benefit both individually and collectively. With encouraging signs of parental interest, particularly through positive feedback and informal conversations with families, speaking on their partnership and hope for the future, Eimear Toland from Scoil Treasa Naofa remarked:
We hope to continue strengthening our PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership through shared planning, leadership initiatives, and the exchange of inclusive practices and resources, ensuring pupils continue to benefit both individually and collectively.
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.