The Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister undertook an OFM/DFM Committee Inquiry into Building a United Community.
The purpose of the inquiry was to inform the Executive’s approach in the actions it takes to tackle sectarianism, racism and other forms of intolerance; and to make recommendations in order to support and enhance policy in uniting communities and community integration, including how communities are involved in decision making. The Inquiry also sought to make recommendations based on the evidence gathered.
NICIE welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the inquiry into building a united community. We hold that the system of education which prevails is a legacy which no longer reflects the multi-cultural and pluralist Northern Ireland of the twenty-first century. Our voice is one of the few that has made a lasting impact in transforming the lives of people and communities away from the sterile politics of sectarian mistrust and division to a reality of acceptance of difference and a celebration of diversity.
NICIE believes that a key strategy in tackling sectarianism, racism and other forms of intolerance involves the education of children together, irrespective of social/cultural background, religion, ability and on a daily basis, in an all-inclusive and mutually respectful shared space. Our schools are as direct result of communities acting together.
Our founding principles articulate a vision of a ‘united community’, with peace and reconciliation at its core. Where our schools are working along interface areas they provide examples of good practice in challenging fear and ignorance and in bringing communities together.
The benefits of integrated education are recognised widely and our schools have become a model for other societies dealing with division and conflict. Significantly, support and demand for integrated schooling remains consistently high (at around eighty per cent from various polls) but provision of places is in shortage with no new schools being established within the last three years.
Read our full response here: Inquiry into Building a United Community
The original inquiry is here: http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Assembly-Business/Committees/Office-of-the-First-Minister-and-deputy-First-Minister/Inquiries/Building-a-United-Community/
