The Department of Education spends some £3.4m per annum for the promotion of good community relations among young people in Formal and Informal Education. Its aim is to encourage greater cross-community contact and co-operation; to support and encourage mutual understanding and tolerance; and to promote recognition of and respect for cultural diversity.
These objectives are achieved in the formal sector through the Schools Community Relations Programme (SCRP), administered by the five Education and Library Boards
Schools availing of the scheme must clearly identify their community relations objectives in the knowledge that their programmes will contribute to the development of a society in Northern Ireland where
The Curriculum
The Common Curriculum for Northern Ireland includes 2 cross-curricular themes - Education for Mutual Understanding (EMU) and Cultural Heritage - which have an important contribution to make in the fostering of better relations across the community. These aim to afford children the opportunities to learn to respect themselves and others; to know about and value their own culture and traditions and the traditions and cultures of others; and to learn the importance of resolving differences and conflict through peaceful means. Approaches to teaching and learning of all curriculum subjects in NI, wherever possible, incorporate these themes.
“A Community Relations programme, designed to promote tolerance as a core value of our society, is not an optional extra in education. Its basis is the shared citizenship of a community, based on justice and equality for all.” Gerry Kelly, Chairman “Education for Diversity” Working Group.