At Catalyst’s Generation Innovation launch of the new SEPI (Shared Education for Positive Innovation) programme in the Monaghan Peace Campus were (L-R) Stephen Orr, CEO of Catalyst, Rachel Thomson, Co-operation Ireland, Orla Dowling, Dept of Education Ireland, Cllr Cathy Bennett, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland, Geraldine McKenna, JS, Programme Manager, SEUPB and Ally Armstrong, Catalyst. Photo Rory Geary.

Three Cavan schools set for new environment and peace programme

A new programme aimed at uniting schools across the North, the border counties, and beyond was launched in Monaghan last week.

Fittingly education ministers from North and South, Paul Givan and Norma Foley stood together at the Monaghan Peace Campus to announce the Shared Education for Positive Innovation (SEPI) on October 21 promising it would benefit “thousands of students and hundreds of schools”.

SEPI aims to foster cross-community collaboration, innovation, and long-lasting relationships by breaking down barriers between schools and communities. In County Cavan they will be working with the Royal School, St. Mogue's College and Breifne College.

Over the next four years, SEPI will work with 100 schools, building clusters on a North/South basis. Each year, a new group of students will participate, with a total of 4,000 students benefiting from this initiative over the course of the programme. The activities will help students develop skills in good relations, personal development, citizenship, and employability, with a focus on innovation for climate action and peacebuilding. It's hoped the students will gain unique insights into the world of innovation and collaboration.

It will also have involve 400 schools in its Schools Leadership Programme. This annual conference, accompanied by follow-up online seminars and workshops, will offer school leaders and educators the chance to share best practices, collaborate on common challenges, and develop strategic approaches to advancing shared learning.

Launching SEPI Minister Foley predicted: “It will enhance the understanding between students and school staff, North and South. In the world of education, we want to learn from one another and share best practice. This is a fantastic opportunity to do that.

“I particularly want to highlight the expanded opportunities this project aims to offer our participating students, teachers and school leaders to work collaboratively, to establish networks to facilitate shared learning and exchange best practice and to foster peace and inclusivity. Funding from my Department for this project underlines my commitment to building the best education system for our children all over this island.”

Her northern counterpart Minister Givan meanwhile said: “I am a firm believer of the transformative ability of shared education to affect positive change across society. The benefits of building good relations between communities leading to improved outcomes for children and young people are clear.”

He added that the opportunities from SEPI will “empower participating pupils, school leaders and teachers to tackle real life issues around climate action on a cross community and cross border basis and help ensure a safe, peaceful and prosperous future for us all.”

The project is supported by the PEACEPLUS programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Co-operation Ireland, a respected peacebuilding charity with a strong history of fostering cross-border collaboration, is leading the delivery of the SEPI programme in partnership with Catalyst.

Co-operation Ireland CEO Ian Jeffers said he was “incredibly proud” of SEPI and that it represents “a vital step” in bringing young people from both the North and South together. “By working towards a shared goal of sustainability, we are not only protecting our environment but also building the foundations of lasting peace and understanding between our communities. This initiative is a powerful example of how collaboration and a shared commitment to our future can transcend divisions and unite us in hope.”