A special event was recently held for County Antrim-based Hagan Homes to thank the house builder for donations totalling £1 million over the past three years.

These donations were used to support over 260 projects in Integrated schools through grants programmes administered by the Integrated Education Fund (IEF).  

Integrated schools from across Northern Ireland came together at Integrated College (IC) Glengormley to express their gratitude and to share the positive impact of Hagan Homes' generous funding.

Principal of IC Glengormley, Ricky Massey, said: "As recipients of the grant programmes which Hagan Homes has so generously funded, we want to say a sincere thank you for all their support.  

"One example is that we have received funding through the 'Integration through Sport' programme which has enabled the college to offer different sports, including hurling and camogie, as well as developing Gaelic with Sperrin IC. This has really helped us to reinforce the values and ethos of integration in a really practical, engaging and fun way."

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Another way that Hagan Homes has made a huge difference is through supporting the wider school community, primarily parents and guardians, through the 'School uniform programme'. This programme helps schools to provide financial support to a number of pupils whose parents or guardians are struggling financially to meet the rising costs associated with their child attending school. The grant helps meet the costs of school uniforms, other associated school clothing or towards specific resources for disadvantaged pupils who need a particular item of equipment to enable them to excel in a specific activity where they have a talent.  

Speaking at the event, Paul Caskey OBE, Chief Executive of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), said: "The IEF are delighted to be gathered here today with Principals, teachers, pupils and other guests to thank Hagan Homes for their incredibly generous and impactful support over the past years and in particular for their support for multiple grants programmes over the past three years. 

"We have heard much today about the difference these grants have made in each of the schools and they will continue to make an impact through each of the pupils whose education has been supported and enhanced due to the generosity of Hagan Homes. Thank you for supporting the growth and development of Integrated Education."

For more information, contact Emma Hassard, Integrated Education Fund: [email protected]