Fleur Anderson MP, Northern Ireland Office Minister, recently visited Erne Integrated College in Enniskillen to raise awareness of the significant part integrated education plays in creating a pluralistic and inclusive society. The visit provided an opportunity for the Minister to engage with students and staff with diversity and community integration highlighted in the college.
Over her stay, the Minister participated in an interactive question-and-answer session on diverse issues of diversity and inclusion. This engagement followed a cultural day at the college aimed at celebrating the richness of diversity within the community. “I am grateful for the warm reception and inspired by the vital role of integrated education in Northern Ireland,” said Minister Anderson. She commended the pupils for their insight-provoking questions and reiterated the UK Government’s commitment to integration in education across the region. “Erne Integrated College offers a nurturing and enabling environment in which local children can grow up as part of a truly shared society, something that is fundamental to the reconciliation process,” said the minister. “I would like to believe one day integration will become the norm in all Northern Irish schools.”.
As he welcomed Minister Anderson, Principal Darron McLaughlin said, “She could not be more welcome; it is an excellent opportunity for the student council members, especially those interested in local politics, to meet with her directly.” The students had been eager over the past Culture Day to express their commitment to the celebration of diversity and their integrated ethos of equality for all.
Integrated Education Fund Chief Executive Paul Caskey and Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education Sean Pettis also welcomed the visit by the Minister. They welcomed the fact that involvement with the students from Enniskillen Integrated Primary School would be meaningful to everyone, highlighting the fact that direct contact with those who are going through integrated education is invaluable. They reaffirmed their view that governmental support was important for the attainment of the ideals put forward by the Good Friday Agreement and, particularly in terms of social cohesion.
Minister Anderson met with representatives of the Fermanagh Trust to discuss a range of local issues, from local transport and the need for public services to health and care, where she reinforced her Department’s commitment to promoting integrated education as an engine of social integration across Northern Ireland.
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