PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Creates New Opportunities for Children and Young People in Year 2

More than 585 schools and pre-school settings are already involved in PEACEPLUS ASPIRE, engaging 28,787 children and young people in shared learning that celebrates diversity and strengthens understanding.

This year, many new partnerships have joined the programme, including primary, special, post-primary and early years settings.

Professional learning remains a key focus, with 190 educators developing skills in peacebuilding, digital facilitation, leadership and coordination. Together, schools and settings have delivered more than 7,000 hours of shared activity, placing peace and reconciliation at the heart of learning.

The impact of the programme can be seen in the relationships formed between pupils, staff, families and communities, helping to build a more cohesive and inclusive society.

These stories are now being shared through news stories, spotlighting partnerships in action, a termly newsletter and the podcast series - PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks, which all highlight the voices and experiences behind the work taking place across participating schools and settings that are empowering children and young people to shape a brighter, more connected future.

The PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project is led by the Education Authority in partnership with Léargas, Early Years – the organisation for young children, the National Childhood Network, and the Fermanagh Trust. The project is funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).