Post-primary schools are being invited to join a new Irish language initiative – Spraoi’23 – which is aimed at cultivating a love of the Irish language, by engaging students in activities through the medium of Irish.
Open to all students in post-primary schools across the country, not just those under ETB patronage, Spraoi’23 invites schools to partake in a range of different competition categories from blogging and rapping to art design and the creation of new seanfhocal.
The initiative is being run by Education and Training Boards Ireland, in conjunction with An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta.
The programme also welcomes engagement from both students in Irish-medium and English-medium schools, with each category carrying prizes for both Irish-medium and English-medium entries.
AMBASADÓIR
To support and encourage students to engage, former ETB student, Aindriú de Paor, broadcaster and presenter with RTÉ 2FM is proud to take on the role of Ambasadóir Spraoi’23.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. de Paor commented: “I attended Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn in Clonmel, a Tipperary ETB school and I have been very fortunate since that my journey with the Irish language has opened so many doors for me throughout my career. I am honoured to be Ambassador for this brilliant initiative and I look forward to engaging with students over the coming months.”
ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY
Gean Gilger, Educational Policy and Development Officer in Education and Training Boards Ireland and coordinator of the ETBI Spraoi’23 programme has designed a programme that aims to inspire the creativity and participation of students.
“We wanted to include competitions that were fun for all, with the potential for solo or group participation and mindful of all learners’ level and ability. While there are opportunities for rapping, creation of new seanfhocal and celebration of the traditional arts through Agallamh Beirte and Lúibíní competition, we are particularly excited about Cumarsáid le Cairde which will see our Irish-medium schools connect with another school and engage in a number of activities under the supervision of their teachers.”
Students will have fantastic opportunities to interact in Irish through fun activities in addition to showcasing their creative, innovative and digital skills through: blogs, videos, music, art, photography and lúibíní.
Spraoi’23 will run through to the end of April with a celebratory prize-giving ceremony in May. All information can be found at https://events.etbi.ie/SPRAOI23
