The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP, will pledge to increase his support for greater integration via education in Northern Ireland today (Wednesday, June 22).
The Secretary of State will mention that the UK Government is putting up a scheme to encourage greater integration via education in his opening remarks.
He will say:
“It is clear there is a demand for integrated education which is not being met by the current provision of education in NI.
“That is why I have been considering my options as Secretary of State, and can confirm today that the UK government will shortly set out a programme to support greater integration through education in Northern Ireland.
“This programme will help promote the benefits of integrated education to parents, teachers and pupils, and support schools considering the transformation process.
“The programme will reflect this Government’s belief that parents should have a genuine choice of schools, so that families can choose the right school for their children.”
Participants at the conference will talk about how integrated education is a crucial component of the government’s commitment to Levelling Up, an essential component of the Northern Ireland reconciliation process, and a key driver of opportunity and empowerment for young people.
The Northern Ireland Office and Wilton Park are hosting the first conference of its kind, with the theme “A More Confident and Inclusive Northern Ireland.” Representatives from important UK, Irish, and American industries who design the laws that determine Northern Ireland’s future will be present.
Realizing Northern Ireland’s potential and examining what needs to change in that region over the coming years will be the main topics of discussion, with a special emphasis on the opinions of the next generation, their participation in the peace-building process, and the advancements that can be made to empower young people through education and the provision of high-skilled jobs.
As the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement approaches its 25th anniversary, the Secretary of State will also reaffirm the UK Government’s commitment to it. He’ll state:
“A quarter century on from that Agreement, the Northern Ireland of today is a symbol to the world of what can be achieved through cooperation and reconciliation. Yet all too often, Northern Ireland’s remarkable journey is not shared widely or loudly enough with the rest of the world.
“So as we approach that landmark anniversary, now presents an opportunity for us to change that. To show the world how far Northern Ireland has come since 1998.
“Now must be our moment to sharpen our focus on that vision, to test ideas and embrace new thinking, be it in education, skills, community programmes and projects, or social innovation.”