On 22 May 2014 voters in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK will head to the polls and elect their three Members of the European Parliament.    The IEF is pleased to host an EU hustings event for 6th form pupils and first time voters on 2nd May, 1-3pm @Senate Chamber, Stormont.  (more…)

The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) is delighted to have been named as the official charity partner for the Smart Business Show 2014.

The Smart Business Show is a new and unique Business to Business event running at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th May, aimed at anyone seeking to grow their business through knowledge and innovation. The media mogul David Montgomery, who is the IEF’s campaign president, will be opening the Show.

The Smart Business Show’s business partners include the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, the Institute of Directors, University of Ulster, Momentum the voice of the digital sector in Northern Ireland, and a dozen other prestigious groups. It’s anticipated that more than 8,000 visitors will be inspired and motivated through clinics, workshops and seminars sponsored by BT, Fujitsu, Ardmore Advertising, Innov8 and Invest NI. (more…)

Business leaders brought a clear message to Stormont today (24 March 2014): we need to reform our education system in order for Northern Ireland to flourish and prosper – and the business community is keen to be involved in shaping future education.

Representatives of business organisations joined the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), politicians and government officials for the publication of a new report, The Business of Education, at Parliament Buildings. (more…)

The NI Executive is currently revising the measures it uses to monitor good relations in Northern Ireland.  Since 2007 the Good Relations Indicators have drawn on a range of statistics gathered by different surveys (Such as the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey) to build up a  picture of progress towards a more united community.

Now, in the light of the Together, Building a United Community policy, the Executive is re-framing its targets and the method used to assess progress. (more…)

Pupils, staff and governors at Lagan College were delighted to welcome Motown singer Mary Wilson to help celebrate the opening of the school’s new building today (Thurs 27 February). Mary, formerly of the Supremes, entertained with music and inspired with her address to the school community and guests.

Lagan College, Northern Ireland’s first planned integrated school, opened in 1981 and after more than 30 years’ wait finally moved into purpose-built, state-of-the-art accommodation last September. The new building was officially declared open this morning by Minister of Education John O’Dowd. (more…)

International Integrated Education Week 2014 (IIEW 2014) will take place from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th March. The theme will be ‘Building Bridges’. This is an annual event where integrated schools have the opportunity to celebrate their integrated ethos.

Integrated schools across the country are celebrating International Integrated Education Week 2014 (IIEW2014) in a variety of different ways. This year’s theme is ‘Building Bridges’ and schools are already exploring the theme by making paper links, linking each student in each class around the school. (more…)