The Secretary of State for Education made a visit to Northern
Ireland (20th - 21st November), where she
participated in the UK Education Ministerial Council (UKEMC) in
Lisburn, alongside ministers and senior officials from Scotland,
Wales, and Northern Ireland.
While in Belfast, the Secretary of State had the opportunity to
gain an insight into local issues around youth anti-social
behaviour, child poverty and the importance of integrated
education in Northern Ireland.
This was the first time the UKEMC was hosted in Northern Ireland
and saw ministers discuss critical issues affecting the whole of
the UK, including teacher recruitment and retention, as well as
leadership development and learning for teachers.
The discussions allowed the Education Secretary and devolved
governments to share experiences and strategies aimed at
improving education outcomes for all students.
UK Secretary of State for Education said:
“Delivering high-quality education and improving life chances for
every young person, no matter where they live, is at the heart of
this government's mission to break down barriers to
opportunity.
“To achieve this, we need to work with the devolved governments,
including in Northern Ireland, for the good of Britain as a
whole.
"Together we will work towards ensuring that every young person,
no matter their background, is able to achieve and
thrive."
During the visit to Belfast, the Secretary of State joined
Northern Ireland Minister , in meeting young people
taking part in a programme to promote social cohesion across
Northern Ireland.
The organisation, Springboard Opportunities, provides targeted
support to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds at risk of
becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and para-military
activity, equipping them with the skills and qualifications they
need to break down barriers to opportunity.
During their visit, the ministers heard firsthand how the
programme has helped youngsters build the confidence and skills
necessary to succeed in the workforce.
On the second day of her visit (21st November), the
Education Secretary met students at South Eastern Regional
College in Lisburn who have benefited from the
Government's Turing Scheme.
Through the scheme, students are funded to take up international
study and work placements all over the world, which provide
invaluable life skills and broaden career prospects.
The Education Secretary heard how transformative the scheme had
been for students, some of whom had been given the opportunity to
travel far as South Africa and Japan.
The Turing Scheme has been widely praised for its commitment to
breaking down barriers to opportunity with more than half of the
43,000 opportunities offered this year going to participants from
disadvantaged backgrounds.
Kenzie Seaton, a student at South Eastern Regional College
said:
“My Turing Scheme experience in South Africa has had a lasting
impact on me. I have massively improved my teamwork,
organisation, communication skills as well as increasing my
confidence and self-esteem.
“I now have an appreciation of the South African culture and the
eco-tourism opportunities, something I did not consider before
this placement.
“The experience was really beneficial for me and I will continue
to benefit in the future.”
As the co-chair of the cross-government Child Poverty Taskforce,
the Education Secretary visited a women's centre in Lisburn,
focused on providing important community and social
support.
The Atlas Women's Centre helps families with a range of services
including cost-of-living support, where the Education Secretary
met users of the service.
Whilst there she met with several key poverty organisations
including Action for Children NI and Save the Children NI as the
Taskforce brings in voices from across the UK to help inform the
government's strategy to tackling child poverty.
Gay Sherry-Bingham, the manager of the Atlas Women's
centre said:
“We were very happy to host this visit to discuss current
approaches to tackling child poverty.
“Our visitors had had the opportunity to see, hear and feel the
effects and impacts of women and children living in poverty and
the vital, life changing support they receive within the women's
centres.
“The parents who attend the centre shared lived experiences and
personal stories about hardship, hunger and hope for change, so
every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Accompanied by Minister Anderson, The Education Secretary then
paid a visit to Fort Hill College, a leading example of
integrated education in Northern Ireland. They were welcomed
by students, staff and an impressive performance from the primary
choir.
At the College, children from different communities learn
together in an environment that promotes inclusivity, respect,
and understanding.
During the visit, Minister Phillipson met with students and staff
to discuss how integrated education is developing and its aims to
foster social cohesion.
Colin Millar the Principal at Fort Hill College
said:
“This visit is a recognition of the value of Integrated Education
within Northern Ireland, and the intentional learning from one
another across our religions, cultures and beliefs, recognising
and celebrating our differences.
“The deliberate choice of our pupils, parents, alongside
supporting bodies such as IEF and NICIE give us daily hope of a
society continuing to transform.”
