Community relations

The Department of Education, through its Community Relations Branch, has responsibility for the promotion of good community relations among children and young people in the age range 3 to 25 in the education and youth service sectors.

The main thrust of the Departments community relations policy is to provide opportunities for the two main traditions in Northern Ireland to learn about each other, and include other groups and traditions.

The aim is to encourage cross-community interaction and co-operation; to support and develop respect for each other’s beliefs and backgrounds; and to encourage mutual understanding, recognition and respect for cultural diversity.

The Departments budget for Community Relations activities in 2010/11 is approximately £1.1m.