About the Project
The ASPIRE Project is an exciting cross-border initiative, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The project will run until December 2028 and aims to foster peace, reconciliation and collaboration through shared education. Total PEACEPLUS funding amounts to over £34 million.
A successor of Sharing from the Start, ASPIRE connects pre-school settings across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The programme brings together children from diverse backgrounds, working alongside educators and Early Years Specialists to promote mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity. By embedding shared education from a young age, ASPIRE seeks to create a society where differences are celebrated.
The importance of collaboration and partnership working
The ASPIRE Project is a collaboration between the Education Authority, Léargas, Early Years, National Childhood Network and Fermanagh Trust
A focus on peacebuilding, reconciliation and inclusion will help improve educational outcomes and result in children and young people growing and developing in a diverse, shared society.
The project will establish cross-sectoral and cross-border partnerships within educational settings and youth organisations.
The focus will be on achieving educational, societal and economic benefits. The project will also focus on the use of digital technology to enhance partnership working and the development of a professional learning program.
A dedicated digital hub will facilitate collaboration among parents, educators, Early Years Specialists and children and provide a wide range of resources to support learning and engagement.
Join us as we celebrate collaboration, inspire connection and support young learners at the start of their educational journey.
Opportunities to share learning and best practice
Some of the features of the programme include
A Digital Hub to assist learning and sharing resources
Communication platforms, including social media
Focused sessions with educators
Festivals of learning to share stakeholder experiences and explore new approaches
Training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
Access to curriculum resources and professional expertise
Peer support networks
Workshops for parents
Opportunities for cross-border collaboration
Support for Settings
A dedicated project team
Regular communication, guidance, and monitoring.
A comprehensive professional development programme
External expertise
Partners
Education Authority
The Education Authority is the Lead Partner of the project. They are responsible for the provision and delivery of education and youth services in Northern Ireland. It has led to a wide range of shared education cross-sectoral and cross-border programmes, which promote inclusion, collaboration and mutual respect among children from diverse backgrounds.
Early Years
Early Years is the largest organisation in Northern Ireland working with and for young children. It has led cross-border partnerships across multiple PEACE and INTERREG Programmes over the last 20 years.
Léargas
Léargas fund and manage intercultural, collaborative projects across Ireland and internationally. Its work promotes an inclusive Ireland where everyone can participate in and enjoy the transformational value of lifelong learning experiences. It has a long history of delivering cross-border programmes that strengthen community relations in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
National Childhood Network (NCN)
NCN is a community voluntary organisation that supports and enhances the provision of childhood services and associated social inclusion projects. NCN is based in County Monaghan and has extensive experience of designing and delivering cross-border projects that support peace and reconciliation across the island of Ireland.
Fermanagh Trust
The Fermanagh Trust is an independent community-based foundation which supports local communities and groups across County Fermanagh and the surrounding area. The Trust has played a key role in a range of shared education projects and launched the Rural Centre for Shared Education in 2015.
Contact Us
For further information about the ASPIRE Project, including partnership opportunities and programme details, Please complete the form below
PEACEPLUS Programme
This project is supported by the European Union’s “PEACEPLUS Programme”, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
More information on SEUPB is available here: http://www.seupb.eu/