Trade unions representing teaching and support staff have responded with sorrow and anger to a flood of online misinformation about Sanctuary Schools in Northern Ireland.
“It is staggering the amount of lies and misrepresentation which are allowed to pollute social media”, said Jacquie White, Chair of the NI Teachers Council, the negotiating body for five unions representing teachers and school leaders.
“Last summer saw serious street violence after deliberate misinformation was spread concerning asylum seekers and schools were left to pick up the consequences when schools re-opened. In the days between now and schools restarting, parents as well as school staff will require clear guidance to challenge these toxic myths. We welcome today the clear statement from Belfast City of Sanctuary (BCoS), who have been building the Schools of Sanctuary program, now active in over 72 schools across Northern Ireland.
“Such clarity can and should be used by the Education Authority and the Education Minister. Unions have been working with the EA and also the NI Assembly Education Committee to achieve better resourcing for the specialist teams working for greater harmony in schools across different groups.”
BCoS coordinator Israel Eguaoige summarised their message: “Building a better future in Northern Ireland starts in the classrooms; our schools of sanctuary are teaching compassion, not controversy.”
Speaking as vice-Chair of NIC-ICTU’s Education Group of unions representing support staff and other educators, Susan Neill added that “Unions support initiatives such as this which undoubtedly help schools become safe, welcoming, and inclusive places for all children, regardless of their background. It provides a framework for schools to foster a culture of kindness and empathy, celebrating the diversity that enriches our communities.
Safer schools are better places in which to learn and to support children reaching their full potential. A harmonious working environment for everybody is to be a right worth defending, and getting the resources to match the urgency of the situation is essential”, Ms Neill concluded.
