Pupils from schools in County Down took part in creative activities under the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE programme. The Education Authority leads the initiative with partners including Léargas, Early Years - the organisation for young children, National Childhood Network, and Fermanagh Trust. Funding comes from PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

Children sculpted woodland animals using clay and natural materials. They gave feedback on each other's work with a positive peer review method. Pupils visited Airtastic in Lisburn for bowling and shared pizza.

Teachers received training through the programme. Classes designed digital Christmas cards and a shared journal using Just2Easy software. At Knockevin School, music teacher Rory led a session on instruments and basic Makaton signs, linked to the story of Jack and the Beanstalk.

For World Book Day, pupils engaged in The Wizard of Oz-themed stations, sensory play, movie viewings, and cooking. In Belfast, students from 19 post-primary schools reopened a peace capsule buried 25 years ago. The event '25 Years Later: Opening Hope, Renewing Peace' included pupils, teachers, youth leaders, and community representatives.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracey Kelly attended. Emma Foster, Development Officer with PEACEPLUS ASPIRE, represented the programme. Richard Moore, founder of Children in Crossfire, gave the keynote address on progress in peacebuilding.

Participants viewed messages, artefacts, and commitments from the original capsule. Each school added a symbolic item such as artwork, pledges, or emblems to a new capsule during a procession. The new capsule was sealed for future generations.