Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - News - Education Minister launches new community relations policy

24 March 2011

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has launched a new policy that will contribute to improving relations between communities.

The new Community Relations, Equality and Diversity in Education policy will enable children and young people to explore issues around diversity both in the classroom and through practical activities and experiences.

Speaking about the policy, the Minister said: “A vital task for education is to prepare children and young people for living in a society that is diverse. This new policy will underpin this aim by helping our young people better understand and respect not only each other but all the diverse groups in our society.

“The policy will equip educators to embed in young people the skills, attitudes and behaviours that will help them embrace diversity and positively engage with different groups.

“I am committed to promoting an education system with equality, rights and inclusion at its core. This new policy will help achieve this and further contribute to every learner fulfilling her or his potential as they develop as people.”

1. The Community Relations, Equality and Diversity in Education policy document can be downloaded from the DE website: http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/20-community-relations-pg/20-department-of-education-s-community-relations-policy.htm

2. Visit the Department of Education’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/thedeptofeducation