New Irish language initiative open to Cavan students

Cavan teenagers aged 15-17 are being invited to apply for the week-long programme.

A new Irish-language educational programme, which is open to young people in Cavan, has launched this week.

The initiative ‘Treoraigh do Thodhchaí’ is a partnership with the CONNECT Centre's Academy of the Near Future and Gael Linn’s Gaelbhratach, and will feature workshops addressing environmental challenges.

It aims to explore how the Irish language and traditions can inspire creative, sustainable, and technological solutions for the future.

Cavan teenagers aged 15-17 are being invited to apply for the week-long programme.

The initiative will run from Monday, March 31 to Friday, April 4 and will be hosted at Stiúideo Cuan, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe.

Commenting on the launch, Assistant Professor in Science & Society Education at Trinity College Dublin Dr Mairead Hurley said they are "excited" to build on this "innovative, youth-led approach to sustainability and citizenship education."

"This step celebrates the creativity and transdisciplinary potential the Irish language brings to global citizenship education," she outlined.

She continued that the programme offers students from Cavan a "fantastic opportunity" to build confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, while exploring the role of Irish language and culture in shaping a sustainable future.

All workshops will be conducted in Irish, and the main requirement is an enthusiasm for technology, sustainability, and Irish culture.

With only 20 places available, interested students are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing out.

To apply, applicants must answer a few short questions about themselves, describe an environmental challenge in their area, and propose a technology-driven solution.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday, 24th February 2025. Applicants must commit to attending all sessions of the week-long course.