The IEF’s Promoting A Culture of Trust (PACT) Grant Making Programme is open to all schools in Northern Ireland for projects that promote a culture of trust and the development of paths of reconciliation through education.
The aim of the programme is to fund projects in schools to promote the development of skills, structures and relationships that enable schools, pupils and their parents, staff and governors and the wider community to increase their understanding, acceptance and respect for political, cultural and religious differences. In the context of Northern Ireland, and the divisions in our society experienced for generations, the ‘differences’ referred to are those between the Catholic and Protestant denominations.
The PACT programme was first launched in the year 2000 and the IEF is delighted to have been able to support projects in schools of differing levels and management types across Northern Ireland which have delivered and surpassed the stated aim of the programme. Over the past twelve years, through PACT 1 – 12, £930,320 has been awarded in grants for 211 projects in 485 schools, directly involving and benefiting over 13,000 children and young people.
Projects that grants are awarded for
PACT projects must explore the differences between the Catholic and Protestant denominations but may also explore other divisions experienced in Northern Ireland. For example some previous projects have tackled issues of division by looking at the diversity of religions, languages, and ethnicities represented in Northern Ireland today.
PACT projects can be linked to the curriculum areas of ‘Personal Development and Mutual Understanding’ at Foundation Level and Key Stages 1 and 2, and ‘Local and Global Citizenship’ at Key Stages 3 and 4. Project mediums such as sport, music, art, history and drama etc can provide opportunities to involve greater ranges and/or numbers of participants as well as adding more depth and meaning to the project for participants.
How to apply
The PACT Spring 2013 programme opens for applications on Monday 28 January 2013 and closes on Monday 04 March 2013. All eligible applications for Level I and Level 2 projects will be considered for funding on Wednesday 15 May 2013 and applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application as soon as possible after this date.
For more information contact:
Integrated Education Fund on: 02890 330031 or visit: www.ief.org.uk