Together schools background and programme 
Together is the Spirit of Enniskillen project supporting the local and global citizenship curriculum in schools and the overall vision of a shared future. The programme is delivered voluntarily by trained young peer-facilitators leading 'dealing with difference' dialogue and learning workshops, residentials and conferences.
Since December 2004, Together has worked with over thirty different Catholic and Protestant schools in Northern Ireland. It also supports the development of a similar leadership and learning programme in England with young people from mainly white and Asian muslim backgrounds in Oldham schools.
Inter-schools dialogue and learning
The underlying aim of the initiative is to develop the capacity of sixth-form pupils, from differing backgrounds and traditions, to engage in discussions exploring commonalities and differences and to develop the blend of skills, understanding and attitudes needed to lead others through a similar process of learning.
In the understanding that; ‘whilst we are not responsible for our whole society, we are responsible for our own contribution', helping young people to make their own positive contribution to change.
Approaches
- Supporting young people into positive pathways of development and taking their place in the wider world as engaged young adults
- Developing the confidence, leadership ability and committment of young people in dealing with difference and the celebration of diversity
- Exploring issues for the local community in the wider world and identifying personal ways to influence and impact on change
- Building personal understanding of reviewing, reflecting and evaluating from experience, and developing as autonomous learning individuals.
- Supporting the capacity of schools to engage in informal learning and ‘whole school' approaches encouraging ‘dialogue, learning and good relations' in the curriculum
Together outcomes
- Committed young people with the wider understanding and leadership capacity to influence others in dealing with difference and constructive change
- Emergence of cultures of optimism, partnership and interdependence
- Cultures of mutual-learning through sharing and cooperation as well as ‘agreeing to disagree' and dealing well with conflicting opinions.
- Development of policy and strategy for good relations between schools and a shared future in the local and wider community
This programme is supported through the Community Bridges programme of the International Fund for Ireland; The Department of Education Northern ireland; The Big Lottery fund and the Rank Foundation