Shared Education a key priority as SEUPB seek views on EU funding spend

The news that shared education is to be at the heart of the Peace IV programme is a major boost for those involved in developing shared education including schools in Co Fermanagh who have been actively involved in the Fermanagh Trust’s shared education programme over the last 6 years.

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has launched a public consultation on proposals for the new Peace and Interreg programmes for 2014-2020. The proposals have been informed by the first public consultation exercise which took place in 2012. This second public consultation with stakeholders across the eligible regions will run until 29th July 2014. Five public meetings will be held and feedback received will be considered before final drafts are sent for approval to the relevant governments.

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust said “Fermanagh has been the trailblazer for shared education and has been at the forefront of the development. Therefore we particularly welcome the proposed support for Shared Education within the Peace IV programme – which carries a potential European Funding allocation of €45million. This funding could go towards building upon the exemplary work that has already taken place, encouraging greater levels of tolerance and understanding amongst our young people and contribute to improved educational outcomes. I would encourage any interested parties to express their views through the consultation process.”

The Peace IV programme will have a strong youth element, allocating significant levels of financial support to shared education projects and other initiatives for children and young people.

For more information contact consultation@seupb.eu or Tel: 02890 266 724. It is estimated that the earliest calls for applications is unlikely to happen before March/April 2015.