Pupils from two Inishowen schools are to be presented shortly with a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) for their promotion of their native language.
Various activities to promote the use of Irish were set up and run by the student committees in St Colmcille’s NS, Glengad, and St Aengus’ NS, Bridgend.
Run by Gael Linn, ‘Gaelbhratach’ is a national initiative that encourages primary and secondary school students to speak Irish outside of the formal classroom setting. In total, 72 flags will be awarded to primary school students across Ireland – the most awarded in any one year. Flags are presented in recognition of their efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak the language.
Speaking at a recent awards ceremony, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, said they are delighted to award primary school students from Donegal with a flag.
“Gaelbhratach gives young people of all backgrounds the opportunity to use and develop their Irish language skills in an interactive and non-traditional way,” Ms Ní Bhraonáin said.
“The programme aims to put the student voice at the centre of their learning through the Gaelbhratach committee. The role of this student-led committee is to direct the Gaelbhratach activities throughout the school year – empowering students in Donegal to take ownership of how and when they use their Irish.”
“We have new schools hoping to join the scheme each year and it is inspiring to see young people’s passion for the language. The most rewarding part of the scheme is hearing feedback, from students and teachers alike, on how they have integrated the language into their everyday lives and the impact it has had.”
Each year, Gaelbhratach organises the post-primary Gaelbhratach Awards Ceremony to celebrate the significant contributions made by teachers and students around the country towards the promotion of the Irish language in their schools.
Further information about the Gaelbhratach scheme is available here
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