Integrated schools 'in demand'

Young people want integrated education, the report says

More integrated education could help break down Northern Ireland's sectarian divisions, a survey has said.

The Voices Behind the Statistics report, published on Wednesday, studied young people's views of sectarianism.

Sixth-formers from across the religious divide said integrated schools would help foster better community relations.

It was published a day after another integrated school in the province officially opened.

The study, by Queen's University in Belfast and the University of Ulster, discovered a demand for integrated education.

Sixth-form students from 11 schools were consulted on their experiences of sectarianism and their ideas about how community relations could be improved.

One student said: "I would like to hope that there will be a lot more cross-community projects available within schools and that there will be more integrated schools opened to give young people a chance to mix."

Researchers from Queen's took part in the study

Another project participant said: "I hope young people will understand both sides and will be able to mix within the community more."

The study was co-authored by the University of Ulster's Shirley Ewart and Dirk Schubotz from Queen's.

It is the result of a joint project undertaken by the National Children's Bureau (NCB) and ARK (The Northern Ireland Social and Political Archive).

Mr Schubotz said: "The project with NCB created an ideal platform to get in touch and consult with young people in schools.

"The participatory workshops were enjoyed by young people and researchers alike. The results of Voices Behind the Statistics gave important impulses for the 2004 Young Life and Times survey, which we have just concluded."

'Controversial issues'

Northern Ireland's first integrated school, Lagan College, opened in 1981 with just 28 pupils.

Now there are 57 such schools in the province with the latest to open, Lir Integrated Primary School in Ballycastle, County Antrim, on Wednesday.

Ruth Sinclair, director of research at NCB, said the study showed how bringing youths from different backgrounds together could generate change.

"Actively engaging with young people and openly discussing sensitive and controversial issues must surely be a way forward in addressing sectarianism in Northern Ireland."

The research was designed to complement the 2003 Young Life and Times (YLT) survey, carried out by ARK, which provided young people's views on a large-scale statistical level.