A NEW strategy to embed shared education throughout the Northern Ireland school system has been launched.
Education minister Michelle McIlveen said the 'Mainstreaming Shared Education Strategy' aimed to "create the conditions to enable partnership working across religious and socio-economic divides".
Unveiling the plans during a visit to a shared education partnership between St Patrick’s and Ballynahinch primary schools, Ms McIlveen said the "benefits of shared education are clear".
"Shared learning experiences contribute to improved educational outcomes, and meaningful engagement between pupils from different backgrounds helps to promote good relations between communities," she said.
"This strategy aims to create the conditions to enable partnership working across religious and socio-economic divides.
"It also seeks to establish shared education as a core feature of educational provision in Northern Ireland that is affordable, sustainable and accessible to all.
"Extending the reach of shared education will help to provide opportunities for all children and young people to benefit from shared learning experiences."
Typically, shared education involves neighbouring Catholic and non-Catholic schools working together. Integrated schools educate Catholic and Protestant children under one roof.
Ms McIlveen added: "It is clear that it can contribute to changing attitudes, and over time, as part of a wider co-ordinated approach, it can help to create a more prosperous and harmonious society for future generations.
"Launching the strategy during Good Relations Week is an acknowledgement of the importance of shared education in promoting better community relations and making Northern Ireland a better place for all."