Our IMPACT

We work to:

• raise the confidence and aspiration of current pupils in integrated schools through engagement with past pupils acting as positive role models;

• increase educational, professional and social development opportunities for past pupils of integrated schools in Northern Ireland;

• support the activities of and partner with key players in the Integrated Education movement, namely Integrated Education Fund and the Northern Ireland Council on Integrated Education;

• enhance public awareness and understanding of the benefits of integrated education in Northern Ireland and its contribution to a more reconciled and peaceful society.

We have:

Created connections amongst AlumNI and supporters from all across Northern Ireland and beyond

Through our events, we have brought together AlumNI from Northern Ireland’s integrated schools and our supporters. Before Covid, the NI group has summer and winter socials and we’re keen to keep up this level of activity. During Covid, we transitioned to online events (e.g. bingo and a pub quiz). Events provide a key social connection and networking function. We have a busy Whatsapp group for active alumni and supporters.

Created a strong campaign ethic & fundraising support for the Integrated Education movement

AlumNI members organise, attend and speak at different events; present to the media; and are active on social media channels. We share our first-hand experience of integrated education and we do so to support our partners and supporters (IEF and NICIE) and the Integrated Education movement. Examples include addressing invited guests at the annual IEF House of Lords reception; speaking at Embassy and Consulate events; corporate business conferences and seminars; and being present and speaking at other external events.

• March 2022 On a cause fundamental to the Integrated Education movement, AlumNI supported the lobbying efforts and gave evidence that helped support the passing into law of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Bill, meaning that schools can no longer discriminate on the basis of religion when hiring teachers.

• March 2022 Together with supporters from across the integrated education movement, AlumNI helped to secure the passing into law of the Integrated Education Bill (private member’s bill put forward by Kellie Armstrong of the Alliance Party). Kellie Armstrong herself thanks AlumNI efforts and joined our celebrations online. AlumNI led a comprehensive lobbying campaign (sending plenty of emails to MLAs) and worked relentlessly to fight misinformation being shared about the Bill and Integrated Education.

• September 2019 Hilary Copeland represented AlumNI alongside Amanda McNamee of Lagan College and NICIE and IEF representatives at Leinster House, Dublin, presenting to Houses of the Oireachtas and the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. By telling their personal story and sharing their unique experience AlumNI members add valuable weight to the broader pitch put forward by the IEF and NICIE.

• March 2019 launched the report of our #ListenUP campaign. Integrated AlumNI members visited Stormont urging politicians to “listen up” to the views of young people. The event brought together 80 people aged 16-30 from a variety of backgrounds to question and challenge NI politicians.  

• April 2018 saw our first successful independent campaign, a viral video staged at Stormont. Timed to maximise the visibility of the Back to School Roadshow, this promotional video has generated significant attention on social media (Facebook: 6,000 views, 150 shares & 130 likes. Twitter: 61 re-tweets, 112 likes and 4,800 views) and beyond, with around 4K views.

Worked with schools to deliver the Back to School Roadshow

For several years, AlumNI members have visited integrated schools to run interactive workshops. In March 2019, 18 AlumNI members visited nine schools and engaged with around 500 pupils.

IntegRated schools in northern Ireland

Look how far we’ve come, but we have a long way still to go! Check out your nearest integrated school.

Facts

• There are over 1,100 schools in Northern Ireland. Only 70 of these are integrated.

• Lagan College was the first integrated school established in 1981. That makes Integrated Education just over 40 years old!