Valentia gears up for Gaeilge

VALENTIA Community Health and Welfare Association Limited in collaboration with Valentia Glór na nGael Secretary Sorcha Ní Mhurchú submitted an application to Foras na Gaeilge back in March 2018 to help cover the costs of running an Irish language summer camp on the Island.

Funding to the value of €2,500 has been secured and will go towards the costs of running the camp. The Irish language camp, ‘campa spóirt, ealaíne, ceirdeanna, amhránaíochta agus cnocadóireachta’, will comprise of a variety of sports, arts and crafts, singing ‘as Gaeilge’ and a trip to Geocán Mountain, with a picnic on the final day.

This camp will take place from July 2 to 6, running from 9.30am to 2.30pm in the Community Centre, Chapletown.

Ursula Uí Shé will coach the children in a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, hockey, badminton, volleyball and athletics. Maeve Ní Dhuinnín, a primary school teacher based in Cillín Liath National School, An Dromaid, will oversee the arts and crafts, and teach the children a few Irish language songs. Maeve hails from a family of fine singers and native Irish speakers. Ms Ní Mhurchú will be present as a teagascóir Gaeilge throughout the duration of the camp.

Teddy Kennedy’s bus has been reserved for the trip to Geocán. The cost of the camp is €45 per child. Spaces are limited to 18 children between the ages of five and 13.

This camp will provide listening, speaking and learning opportunities for each child to develop Irish language skills at his or her own pace. The organisers have a great interest in encouraging the use of the Irish language here and are very grateful to Foras na Gaeilge for supporting their efforts to strengthen the use of the language outside of, but complementary to, the education system.

Beidh fáilte roimh gach duine.