LIAM NEESON is backing a new campaign in support of integrated education in Northern Ireland.
The Hollywood star, who is originally from Ballymena, Co. Antrim, has joined forces with the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) to let parents know about a new initiative Integrate My School – I’m In.
“We look to our children for the future, so why do we continue to educate them apart - different religions, different backgrounds, different schools?" said Neeson, who was raised a Catholic.
"There is another way. Most people agree that educating children together is a better way forward for our society.
"It’s time to turn our aspiration into reality, to believe in your children and believe in their future.”
Watch what Liam Neeson has to say below
The Love Actually actor is supporting the campaign, which is urging parents of children at primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland to register their interest in transforming their school to an integrated one.
According to the IEF, there are currently 65 integrated schools across Northern Ireland.
As of last September, 25 of these schools had transformed into integrated schools as a result of parental support.
The first integrated school, Lagan College, was opened in 1981 with 26 pupils.
Today there are more than 22,000 in integrated education at nursery, primary and post-primary levels.
IEF CEO Tina Merron, said: "Research has repeatedly revealed that a majority of Northern Ireland parents want their school to become integrated.
"When it comes to making it happen, however, what many people don’t know is that, integration is supported by the Department for Education and government policy in Northern Ireland.
"And, if a minimum of 20 per cent of parents at a school express an interest in integration, the school’s Board of Governors is then required to put the matter to the whole school for consultation.
She added: "By logging on and registering their interest confidentially on the IntegrateMySchool website, parents could take almost any school in Northern Ireland on the first steps towards integration.
“This is not an overnight process and schools can only transform to integrated status with parental approval and parental involvement, but this online registration is a very important first step in showing the interest of the school community, in complete confidentiality and without prejudice."
As political uncertainty continues in the North, the education campign is also getting support in Westminster.
Labour member of the House of Lords Baroness May Blood, who is also Campaign Chair of the Integrated Education Fund, said: “The regulations are already in place, so it only takes parents to show their interest and the wheels of change can begin to turn.
"It’s not often that this happens in this country so this is quite a unique opportunity.
"This campaign marks the start of a very interesting and exciting period of change in education in Northern Ireland – and in our society as a whole.”
How to register...
The IntegrateMySchool website offers a three-step registration process
All Northern Ireland primary and post-primary schools are listed alphabetically
Parents can find their child’s school, fill in the confidential online form to submit their details
For more information click here
