A unique ‘Sharing and Learning’ fair took place at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island on Friday 19th October 2012 marking the first year of a major schools programme.

The fair invited schools to talk about the impact the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) Primary Curriculum Partnership Programme has had in their school community.

The three-year initiative, which is funded by the International Fund for Ireland and managed by SELB, aims to build cross-community partnerships between 20 primary schools to and develop mutual understanding in local and wider community.

The event included presentations from the children as well as drama music focused on learning about similarities and difference.

Speaking at the event Alison Thompson, Project Manager of the Primary Curriculum Partnership Programme, said:

“Today is about celebrating and sharing good practice, having time to reflect and move into the next year with real excitement and ambition for what can be achieved when schools work together.  What we have witnessed to date has clearly demonstrated that the shared classes, focusing on issues such as friendships, similarities and differences, peace and reconciliation have made a difference to the attitudes of the children.

John Unsworth, Assistant Senior Education Officer, said:

"I am delighted that schools within the SELB are committed to this project. With our support, when schools work together, the whole school community benefits.  Resources are used more effectively and the quality of learning for all is improved. Most important, children learn and play together and this will help them build a shared and better future together."

Christina Dickson Acting-Principal of Dromore Road Primary School, Warrenpoint was one of several teachers who presented their experiences and outlined how the project links very closely to wider educational policies: She said:

“It is very beneficial to be able to demonstrate how the project aligns closely to Every School and Good School, the Department’s School Improvement Policy, and complements the Department’s Community Relations, Equality and Diversity Policy.  The project is firmly placed as a priority in the School Development Plan.”

All schools were congratulated on their progress to date and encouraged to continue to engage and work with each other and to share and learn from each other.