Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson for Education Karen Mullan has welcomed confirmation that shared education projects across Ireland are to receive €35 million of European peace programme funds.
The Foyle MLA commented: “This much-needed investment comes at a time when schools are struggling due to Tory austerity and has the potential to vastly improve the educational experiences of our children and young people.
“It will enable 350 schools to participate in shared education on an All-Ireland basis and has the potential to fundamentally shape education delivery in the future.
“Shared education can play a vital role in facilitating a culture of mutual understanding through ongoing and purposeful engagement in learning between children and young people from different community backgrounds. These projects will have far-reaching impacts on children and young people who will have the opportunity to benefit from them.”
“However while this investment is welcome, it must also be recognised that Brexit threatens similar initiatives in the future.
“Like so many areas of life, Brexit is a threat to our education system and the best way to protect our communities from that is by ensuring the north secures Designated Special Status and remains within the EU.”
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