Education Unplugged 2024: A Thought-Provoking Discussion on Integrated Education
Left to right: Paul Colling (IEF), Grace Boyle (AlumNI), Linda Ervine (Turas), Amelia Kai (AlumNI) & Peter Osborne (IEF)
On October 3rd, 2024, AlumNI and the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) hosted their second Education Unplugged event at Ulster University. The evening featured insightful presentations from Linda Ervine, founder of the Turas Irish Language Project, and Peter Osborne, Chair of the IEF.
Linda Ervine shared her compelling journey from a working-class background to becoming an advocate for the Irish language and integrated education. She emphasised the importance of making language learning accessible and enjoyable, highlighting the cognitive benefits of bilingualism. Ervine also discussed the challenges working-class communities face in the education system and the potential of integrated Irish-medium schools to address these issues.
Peter Osborne provided a historical perspective on Northern Ireland's education system and stressed the need for a more integrated approach. He pointed out the inefficiencies of the current segregated system, including excessive busing costs and the detrimental effects of academic selection at age 11. Osborne called for a shift towards mixed-ability schools and removing "conflict architecture" in education.
The event sparked engaging discussions on various topics, including:
- The impact of the transfer test on students' self-esteem and future prospects
- The potential of integrated education to break down societal barriers
- The importance of teaching a shared history to promote understanding
- The need for more resources to support integrated education initiatives
A particularly poignant moment came during the Q&A session when attendees shared personal experiences of educational segregation and its lasting impact on their lives. These stories underscored the urgent need for change and the transformative potential of integrated education in fostering a more cohesive society in Northern Ireland.
The evening concluded with a call to action for attendees to support integrated education through various means, including joining the AlumNI network and participating in upcoming events. The speakers' passionate advocacy for a more inclusive and effective education system left the audience inspired and motivated to contribute to positive change in Northern Ireland's schools.
Attendees listen as Peter Osborne (IEF) and Linda Ervine (Turas) converse with Grace Boyle (AlumNI)
