Integrated Education Fund

Before Easter the Fund were delighted to get the chance to meet with the new Irish President, Michael D. Higgins. Chair of the Fund, Marie Cowan, Campaign Chair, Baroness May Blood and Campaign Director, Paul Caskey travelled to Phoenix Park in Dublin and took the opportunity to update President Higgins on the Fund’s current work in Northern Ireland and the progress made during its 20 year history.

Actors Ciaran Hinds and James Ellis joined business leaders and dignitaries at a gala event in Belfast when the Integrated Education Fund hosted a celebration ball at the Europa Hotel. 

Baroness May Blood MBE, Sir George and Lady Bain and businessmen Desmond Wilson and Terry Cross were among more than 200 guests enjoying entertainment from acclaimed soul/jazz singer Mirenda Rosenberg and comedian Adrian Walsh, a close friend of the late Frank Carson.  Diners were piped into the Grand Ballroom by champion bagpiper, ten year old Ryan Cupples-Menendez. (more…)

Omagh Integrated Primary School welcomed IEF Chair Marie Cowan and her husband Ronnie when they officially opened the school’s new Dergmoney Pre-School Centre.  The event also gave the school and its supporters the chance to thank the generous donors, including the Jim and Lynn Moroney Family Foundation of Dallas Texas  who have funded a new playgroup which will bring more children into integrated education each year.  The pre-school facility will offer 20  places in addition to those already available at Omagh Integrated Nursery.  It’s been established thanks to a gift from the Moroney Family Foundation via the IEF’s Increasing Places in Integrated Schools (IPIS) grants scheme. (more…)