Professor Deirdre Heenan Inspires Students at PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Partnership Event

Addressing students at Banbridge Academy, Professor Heenan urged the next generation to reflect on the legacy of conflict and their pivotal role in forging a peaceful and shared future for Northern Ireland.

The visit, part of the ongoing PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership, saw students engage in a lively Q&A, delving into topics such as identity, politics, social cohesion, and the path towards reconciliation. Professor Heenan’s keynote explored the complexities surrounding reconciliation and challenged attendees to consider how they might contribute to a more stable economy and society.

Professor Heenan’s visit followed an earlier shared learning experience in which pupils from the three schools visited the Troubles and Beyond exhibition at the Ulster Museum. This visit laid essential groundwork for Professor Heenan’s session, highlighting the significance of understanding the past to inform future conversations.

The PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership continues to foster collaboration through cross-school workshops, joint activities, and reflective sessions, equipping young people with the skills and insights needed to make a positive impact on an inclusive and peaceful Northern Ireland.

Emma Foster from PEACEPLUS ASPIRE said:

“Having Professor Heenan engage with our young people was a privilege. Her insight, honesty and encouragement resonated strongly with pupils from all three schools. This event, especially when combined with the earlier visit to the Troubles and Beyond exhibition, provided a powerful and memorable learning experience.”

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE (Advancing Shared Partnerships through Inclusive Relationships in Education) is led by the Education Authority (EA), alongside Léargas, 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.