We are delighted to announce that St Patrick’s Nursery Unit and Rasharkin Community Playgroup have been successful in partnering as part of the Advancing Shared Partnerships through Inclusive Relationships in Education (ASPIRE) project. The ASPIRE Project is a Shared Education initiative, funded through PEACEPLUS, and aimed at providing direct and sustained contact between children from all backgrounds. This multi-year, cross border partnership is led by Northern Ireland Education Authority and will provide contact between children in pre-school settings. The overall objective of the project will be to increase the number of children, educators and leaders engaged in sustained partnerships with those from different backgrounds. This will lead to changes within educational settings and the wider community; building a more peaceful, prosperous and cohesive society.
Why take part?
The project aims to bring about positive attitudinal and behavioural change among children, parents, teachers and the wider community. This will be achieved through direct and sustained curriculum-based contact between children of predominantly different religious, ethnic, and socio- economic backgrounds.
What are the benefits of engaging in the ASPIRE Pre-School Project?
In addition to enhancing educational outcomes for children and building good relations, the ASPIRE Pre-School Project provides the following benefits:
· Training, mentoring and professional development for staff
· Opportunities for learning experiences that children may not get within individual setting
· Workshops for parents and management committee members / school governors
· Developing greater community cohesion