Post Project Evaluation of the Children Respecting Difference … · 2019-07-19 · The evaluation intended to provide a comprehensive and thorough documentation of project outcomes

INVESTING IN OUR SHARED FUTURETHE 8TH CONFERENCE ON THE EVALUATION OF EU COHESION POLICY

METHODOLOGY USED AND DATA SOURCESThe evaluation intended to provide a comprehensive and thorough documentation of project outcomes for implementation of the Children Respecting Difference Programme in the education sector. By engaging stakeholders using active participatory evaluation tools, a rich perspective of involvement in the programme was established.

MAIN FINDINGSParticipation of 30 primary schools (21 from Northern Ireland and 9 from Ireland) in new educational programme; 1,000 between five to eight year old children involved; participation of 1,000 parents in workshops; 120 teachers trained to implement the programme; 90 sessions held for Board of Governors throughout the project lifetime; and an influence on the educational system in Northern Ireland and Ireland on new curriculum for a divided society.

CONCLUSIONS, LESSONS LEARNEDAND FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS • Positive change in behaviour and

attitude of children towards inclusion and exclusion;

• improved relationships between parents across community divisions;

• increased confidence and skills of teachers;

• schools better equipped to deliver primary education in a manner that contributes to a shared society.

The evaluation recommended that the programme be brought to scale in Northern Ireland and Ireland – taking into consideration older primary aged children; sub-cover for participating teachers; and geographical location when matching schools for liaison activities.

PROBLEM SETTING, MAIN EVALUATION QUESTIONSThe proposed project aimed to develop a Children Respecting Difference Programme within the primary school system in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland; focusing on children aged between 5 and 8, to create discernible changes in attitudes, behaviour and awareness of sectarian, racial and ethnic differences among children, their parents, teachers and school’s Board of Governors.

FUND(S) COVERED• European Regional Development

Fund (ERDF)

PROGRAMMING PERIOD• 2007-2013

PROGRAMME(S) COVERED• PEACE Programme – Interreg Northern

Ireland/Ireland

THEMATIC OBJECTIVE(S)• TO11: Institutional capacity

TYPE OF EVALUATION• Impact and process

YEAR OF COMPLETION• 2015

AUTHOR(S) OF THE EVALUATION CONTACT PERSON Dr Katrina Collins (consultancy services) John McCandless

john.mccandless@seupb.eu

Post Project Evaluation of the Children Respecting Difference Programme •

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Early Years