Shared Education for Positive Innovation (SEPI) Programme launched on 21st October at Monaghan Peace Campus
Co-operation Ireland, in partnership with Catalyst, is excited to announce the successful launch of the Shared Education for Positive Innovation (SEPI) programme. This groundbreaking initiative, aimed at uniting schools across Northern Ireland, the border counties, and beyond, was officially launched at the Monaghan Peace Campus on 21st October. The project is supported by the PEACEPLUS programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Irish Department of Education Minister Norma Foley TD said: “The Shared Education for Positive Innovation initiative will benefit thousands of students and hundreds of schools. It will enhance the understanding between students and school staff, North and South. In the world of education, we want to learn from one another and share best practice. This is a fantastic opportunity to do that.”
I particularly want to highlight the expanded opportunities this project aims to offer our participating students, teachers and school leaders to work collaboratively, to establish networks to facilitate shared learning and exchange best practice and to foster peace and inclusivity. Funding from my Department for this project underlines my commitment to building the best education system for our children all over this island."
Department of Education Minister Paul Givan MLA said: I am a firm believer of the transformative ability of shared education to affect positive change across society. The benefits of building good relations between communities leading to improved outcomes for children and young people are clear. I was delighted to be a part of the launch of the Shared Education for Positive Innovation (SEPI) programme which will bring a range of collaborative learning and development opportunities which will empower participating pupils, school leaders and teachers to tackle real life issues around climate action on a cross community and cross border basis and help ensure a safe, peaceful and prosperous future for us all.
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “We are delighted to support such an innovative and impactful project, which will bring thousands of our young people together. Collaboration and engagement at a young age is vital to laying the foundations for lifelong joined-up working and partnership, ensuring we are capitalising on future opportunities and realising the exceptional potential that exists across Northern Ireland and Ireland.
“PEACEPLUS projects such as SEPI will bring wide-ranging interventions and improvements aimed at harnessing talent, providing pathways to better futures for our young people, and inspiring current and future generations.
“I am looking forward to this important work getting under way for the benefit of so many of our citizens and I am very excited by the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Co-operation Ireland, a respected peacebuilding charity with a strong history of fostering cross-border collaboration, is leading the delivery of the SEPI programme. For decades, Co-operation Ireland has been at the forefront of initiatives promoting peace and understanding across the island of Ireland. Through their expertise and established networks, they will guide SEPI in achieving its goals of cross-community engagement, innovation, and lasting peace. SEPI empowers young people with the tools to tackle environmental challenges while promoting peace and understanding. SEPI’s school leaders are supported in sharing best practices and driving strategic initiatives for shared learning. The programme encourages both students and leaders to innovate for climate solutions, positioning them as future leaders in sustainability and peacebuilding.
Catalyst plays a central role in delivering SEPI’s core objectives by driving innovation and cross-community collaboration. As a key partner, Catalyst brings expertise in fostering entrepreneurship and problem-solving, ensuring that the programme nurtures young leaders equipped to tackle both local and global challenges.
SEPI aims to foster cross-community collaboration, innovation, and long-lasting relationships by breaking down barriers between schools and communities. The programme is designed to engage both students and school leaders through two core strands, promoting shared learning, good relations, and skills for life and work with a focus on peacebuilding and climate action.
Strand 1: The SEPI CORE Student Programme
Over the next four years, SEPI will work with 100 schools, building clusters on a North/South basis. Each year, a new group of students will participate, with a total of 4,000 students benefiting from this initiative over the course of the programme. The activities will help students develop skills in good relations, personal development, citizenship, and employability, with a focus on innovation for climate action and peacebuilding. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with partners, facilitators, thought leaders, and professionals from various sectors, offering unique insights into the world of innovation and collaboration.
Strand 2: SEPI Schools Leadership Programme
In addition to engaging students, SEPI will also involve 400 schools in its Schools Leadership Programme. This annual conference, accompanied by follow-up online seminars and workshops, will offer school leaders and educators the chance to share best practices, collaborate on common challenges, and develop strategic approaches to advancing shared learning. Each year’s conference will focus on themes identified as critical for the sector, ensuring that SEPI addresses the evolving needs of the educational landscape.
With Catalyst's expertise and experience in driving collaborative innovation, the SEPI programme will not only build sustainable networks but also equip the next generation with the tools to lead on pressing issues like climate change and peacebuilding.
The SEPI programme is delivered with the support of associate partners, including the Education Authority Northern Ireland and Léargas. It seeks to build sustainable networks and foster lasting collaboration among schools, promoting a vision of inclusion, peace, and innovation that transcends borders and communities.
The SEPI launch event at Monaghan Peace Campus on 21st October brought together educators, students, policymakers, and community leaders to celebrate the beginning of this transformative programme.
Co-operation Ireland CEO Ian Jeffers said: "As CEO of Co-operation Ireland, I am incredibly proud of SEPI, which represents a vital step in bringing young people from both the North and South together. By working towards a shared goal of sustainability, we are not only protecting our environment but also building the foundations of lasting peace and understanding between our communities. This initiative is a powerful example of how collaboration and a shared commitment to our future can transcend divisions and unite us in hope."
Steve Orr, Catalyst’s Chief Executive Officer said: ‘’ At Catalyst, we believe that innovation thrives when diverse minds come together to address shared challenges. The SEPI programme is a testament to the power of cross-community collaboration, creating opportunities for young people to not only develop vital skills for the future but also to lead the way in peacebuilding and climate action. By empowering the next generation of leaders, SEPI will inspire lasting change and drive the kind of innovation that benefits all of society."