Pupils across Northern Ireland are being invited to show what belonging looks like through a school poster competition launched during Good Relations Week 2026.

The Education Authority, in partnership with the Community Relations Council, is encouraging children aged four to 14 to create posters showing how everyone can feel welcome and included in their schools and communities.

Taking inspiration from this year’s theme, ‘Include – Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day.’, pupils are encouraged to explore the difference they can make through everyday actions, from welcoming a new classmate to making sure nobody is left out of a game.

Entries can combine drawings, words or photographs and may be submitted individually, in groups or as a whole-class project.

Vouchers worth £100, £50 and £25 will be awarded for first, second and third place respectively. The competition closes at 12 noon on Wednesday 18 November 2026, allowing schools to build on discussions started during Good Relations Week.

Jayne Simms, Project Lead on the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Project on behalf of the Education Authority, said:

“Every pupil will have a different idea of what inclusion looks like. Through a drawing, a photograph or a few well-chosen words, they can show us what makes them feel welcome and what could make that experience better for someone else.

“We encourage teachers to use the competition to explore friendship, respect and different backgrounds with their classes. Listening to one another’s ideas is an important part of that process, giving pupils the chance to learn from their classmates as they create.”

The competition forms part of Good Relations Week, which runs from 12–18 October under a theme that encourages people to consider who feels included, who may be missing out and what they can do to help.

Organised by the Community Relations Council with support from The Executive Office, Good Relations Week brings people together through events across all 11 council areas, including music, film, culture, sport and conversation.

Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, said:

“Having someone to sit beside at lunchtime, being invited to join a game or feeling confident enough to speak up in class can make a real difference to a child’s experience of school. These everyday moments help children feel included and valued.

“We want pupils to show us what belonging means to them and how they can help others feel welcome. The idea doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re looking forward to seeing their creativity and hearing what matters to them.”

Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, said:

“Young people know what it feels like to belong and what can leave someone feeling excluded. Their experiences can help us recognise barriers we might otherwise miss and understand what needs to change.

“This competition gives pupils a creative way to share those experiences and ideas. We hope making the posters will open up conversations in classrooms about respecting differences, challenging exclusion and making sure everyone has a place. Those conversations can have an impact long after the artwork is finished.”

How to Enter

Create a poster inspired by ‘Include – Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day.’ and submit it by 12 noon on Wednesday 18 November 2026.

Entries can be emailed to [email protected] or posted to:

Good Relations Week School Poster Competition

Astutely

Top Floor, 144 High Street

Holywood

BT18 9HS

Include the pupil’s name, or group/class name, age or age range, and school with each entry.