Young want secular State and more focus on Irish
November 19, 2012
YOUNG people want major reforms of the education system to include a focus on learning Irish, more investment in special education, and extra classes in IT and new technologies.
Equal marriage and adoption rights for gay and transgender couples and the creation of a secular State are also among the rights demanded by 17- to 26- year- olds who took part in an initiative by President Michael D Higgins to help reshape the country.
The ‘ Take Charge of Change’ declaration says that Ireland should become a secular, inclusive and multi- lingual State with excellent education and health systems.
But it says that political reform is needed to bring about the necessary changes.
“Our vision for Ireland is a secular, inclusive, multilingual, confident State with excellent and universally accessible education, health and social support systems; an Ireland of which we can be proud on the global stage,” it says. “We have to engage in a process of systematic political reform.
“Our vision includes economic prosperity, an enterprise culture and the opportunity for education and employment for all, a place where young people reach their potential, have a solid future and a valued voice, free from forced emigration and the burden of national debt.”
It comes after Mr Higgins invited young people last May to take part in a national discussion on how Ireland should develop.
Regional workshops were held in Dublin, Cork, Monaghan and Galway last September.
It resulted in a report called ‘ Being Young and Irish’, which was launched by the president over the weekend.
Myth
“If anyone is in any doubt now about the myth that young people are disengaged, disaffected and cynical, well, there is your answer,” Mr Higgins said.
Concerns about employment, the future of the economy and a belief that university courses should be free have also been identified as major priorities for the 800 people who took part.
Reform of the Leaving Certificate was needed because it emphasised rote learning and failed to prepare students for “active citizenship”. Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the views would be taken into account for the young people’s strategy, which is currently being drafted.
http://www.independent.ie/
President praises youth declaration
November 19, 2012
David Berry joined the President and other young people at Aras an Uachtarain for the first of a series of seminars.
Legislation for the X case, a referendum on abortion and a new approach to teaching Irish are among a list of proposals contained in a declaration unveiled yesterday at a presidency seminar for young people.
President Michael D Higgins and 100 young people convened in Áras an Uachtaráin to consider the drafting of the ‘Take Charge of Change’ declaration, the culmination of a six-month nationwide engagement with 700 or so 17 to 26-year-olds.
The process, initiated by President Higgins in May, also resulted in the publication of a report titled Being Young in Ireland 2012. The report formed the basis of yesterday’s declaration and reveals concerns about employment, the future of the economy, political reform, citizen participation and education for a full life.
In particular it highlights a desire among young people to see greater equality and a wider acceptance of diversity. It recommends diversity training in schools and calls for the drafting of a constitution which “represents all members of our society regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation”.
The declaration was delivered before President Higgins, Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald and representatives from various State agencies at Áras an Uachtaráin.
It states: “Our vision for Ireland is a secular inclusive, multilingual, confident state with excellent and universally accessible education, health and social support systems; an Ireland of which we can be proud on the global stage; a place where people, arts, culture, heritage, sport and the Irish language are nurtured and developed.
It goes on to outline a vision of community co-operation, active citizenship and a “place where human rights are valued; where there is an acceptance and celebration of all citizens and where all people have equality of access, equality of opportunity in society and in the State.”
Afterwards the President said “any president of any country in the world would be enormously proud of the presentation.” In particular he praised the focus on social justice, education, and the promotion of diversity.
“If anyone is in any doubt now about the myth that’s going around that young people are disengaged, disaffected and cynical, well there is your answer,” he added.
He stressed that it was his wish as President that the proposals get a real, rapid and positive response at every level of politics and within institutions of State. “It must not be a lost conversation, a lost consultation,” he said.
The declaration called on legislators to allow for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender marriage and adoption rights.
The report outlined a belief that young people at home and abroad have a role to play in promoting Ireland and creating a positive image of the country. The declaration urged the government to increase its engagement with the diaspora by extending voting rights to Irish people living abroad.
The young people called for reform of the Leaving Certificate, saying the points system and emphasis on rote learning fails to prepare students for “active citizenship”.
Ms Fitzgerald said the submissions were wonderful, positive and inspiring. “Having your voice heard and bringing about change are not easily achieved,” she added.
She praised the participants for making a positive start in attempting to bring about change and promised to “work with the Government and the President to make sure full attention is given to your findings.”
She said she would study the views with a particular interest in drawing upon them for the young people’s strategy, which is currently being drafted. She said she would also pass on any other relevant proposals to the appropriate authorities.
A summary of the Being Young and Irish Report realesed yesterday afternoon identifies the following themes as being of particular concern to the participants:
Employment, enterprise, social security, concern with the economy : The participants expressed concern about graduate job opportunities and the long-term impact of Ireland’s banking debt. They called for “the economy to be stimulated, with an emphasis on job creation and the need to integrate welfare and social protection more closely with inclusivity, enterprise culture and social solidarity”.
Political reform : A perceived disconnect between young people and politicians needs to be addressed. Respondents felt greater engagement and communication is a responsibility of both young people and politicians.
Education : The emphasis on rote learning in the Leaving Certificate was criticised by many who felt secondary education fails to prepare students for “active citizenship”. The introduction of university fees was unanimously rejected, while there was “an overwhelming sense that access to third level should be free of cost”.
Equality : One of the most prominent submissions. There was a heavy emphasis on the need for respect for individual rights and freedom of expression.
Involve young people : There is a prevailing sense that young people are not being listened to and that, consequently, “many opportunities are missed by those who ignore the youth”. Participants identified a need for a “structured forum where the youth voice can be promoted, encouraged and fostered”.
Being positive : “Young people expressed a strong need for optimism in envisaging an Ireland of the future and a sense of disillusionment with the negativity they experience around them.”
Health : Overall, respondents believe the healthcare system is “wrong”. Submissions on mental health, suicide, and mental health services featured, as did issues of alcohol, smoking and drug use. One participant noted: “Too many people are dying because they aren’t aware of the help that’s there and too often they can’t get the help they need when they look.”
Community and civil society : Young people believe Ireland lost some of its sense of community during the boom years. They believe community spirit can empower individuals and contribute to Ireland’s recover.
Identity as Irish : The economic situation, unemployment and emigration have raised the question of what constitutes Irish identity. Young people said students, graduates and the diaspora had a role to play in promoting Ireland. The need to incorporate the Irish Language into everyday life was also underlined.
http://www.irishtimes.com/
Free package of books, songs, etc. in Irish for children
November 16, 2012
Parents are entitled to a Irish language support package from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which contains a ‘raising your child with Irish’ booklet, music and songs on CD and poems and nursery rhymes for children. Parents can call the department (091 503 700) or send an email with their address to ctt@ahg.gov.ie requesting this package. It might be worth asking your child’s creche, pre-school, or national school to request this package, whether or not it’s an Irish focused establishment, so that you can get a look at it or indeed so that they can use it to complement the education of your children. This is a wonderful package which your children will enjoy, so why deprive them?
If you already have this package, please note that materials have been added to it and it may be worthyour while to request a new package.
When you raise your child through Irish, you are giving him/her a valuable advantage that could help him/her:
1. to learn how to read and count
2. to learn new languages
3. develop communication skills
4. to obtain employment in the future
5. to make new friends
6. to be part of a new generation of Irish language speakers
7. to deepen their sense of identity
Support pack and further details: 091 503700 or ctt@ahg.gov.ie
An Gael Óg, Nuachtlitir Na Gaeil Óga, eagrán 6
November 16, 2012
An Triail for Leaving Cert Students
November 16, 2012
The popular Gaeltacht company Fíbín bring their nationwide tour for schools, particularly for Leaving Certificate Curriculum to the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo on November 15 & 16 at 10.30am and 1.30pm.
This year the award winning company brings you ‘An Triail’, but this is An Triail as you’ve never seen it before. Prepare for puppets, high entertainment and such engaging visuals that you’ll actually WANT to answer questions on it. Bringing a seemingly outdated plot into the context of our modern society, Fíbín seek to address issues highlighted by both teachers and students alike. Difficulties in relating to the characters as the drama unfolds, comprehending the confinements of 1950’s Ireland and seeing beyond the black and white nature of dialogue are all dealt with in this snappy Fibín production. Come and see for yourselves!
Directed by Brendan Murray, tickets for An Triail are available at the Hawk’s Well Theatre Box Office on 071 916 1518.
http://www.leitrimobserver.ie/
Ceolta – Pacáiste Gaeilge don Fheadóg “D” oiriúnach don chlár bán idirghníomhach
November 16, 2012
Dírigh ar do thodhchaí ag Lá Oscailte ITBÁC 2012
November 16, 2012
Dhá Aip nua ó Chúla4
November 15, 2012
Irish language career guide launched
November 14, 2012
A new careers package containing hints and advice for those interested in using the Irish language in the workforce was launched at the
Oireachtas na Samhna Irish language festival in Letterkenny recently.
BBC broadcaster Lynette Fay was on hand to launch the multimedia project called Céim Chun Tosaigh: ag Obair le Gaeilge ( A step ahead: Working with the Irish language), the new career guidance package produced by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge and Comhar na Múinteoirí Gaeilge for second level students across Ireland.
Céim Chun Tosaigh provides information and guidance on courses, training options and career paths in Ireland and abroad.
The multimedia package includes a DVD which can be used as a learning resource in classrooms, a handbook with general information on career areas and skills and a series of lively short films and interviews which will be published online on YouTube and Vimeo.
Presented by Sibéal Davitt and Ciarán Ó Conghaíle, the full length programme focuses on a wide range of careers, from media, teaching, technology, linguistics, law, language teaching, sports, the army, the arts, business and childcare.
The DVD examines the challenges faced by graduates in the difficult economic climate, while some of those interviewed have been successful working in careers working with the Irish language far afield from New York to Brussels.
It also highlights the highly transferable skills which multilingual graduates have and the dynamic career paths which are open to them.
This Irish language programme features full subtitles in English and Irish making it a suitable learning resource for all second-level schools in Ireland.
The project received funding from Foras na Gaeilge; An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta and Teacher Partner Networks.
Information packs will be distributed to schools on a 32 county basis following this with all content to be published on line in November. For further information contact ceimchuntosaigh@gaelport.com.
Public views sought on Irish Language Services in Northern Ireland
November 14, 2012
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is seeking the public’s opinion in relation to the development of the Irish Language. The Department has prepared a consultative document which contains the primary aims and objectives in relation to the Irish language in Northern Ireland.
The Programme for Government 2011- 2015 (http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/pfg-2011-2015-final-report.pdf) for Northern Ireland proposed an Irish Language Strategy as a foundation stone in promoting communication between communities and in developing the cultural sector of the jurisdiction. The Strategy’s objectives include enticing more people toward Irish language medium education, developing public services through Irish and increasing access to the Irish language media.
The Department has set out 6 key areas of action to fulfil and obtain the aims and objectives as set out in the strategy. These key areas for action include
• Education
• Family transmission of Irish
• Administration Services and community
• Media and technology
• Legislation and status of the language, and
• Economic life.
Representatives of all Government Departments in Northern Ireland as well as UK Departments operating in Northern Ireland will be responsible for ensuring that progress is being made against the Strategy’s aims, objectives and areas for action. The Strategy will also require cooperation for Departments in Westminister as they are responsible for some public services in Northern Ireland such as broadcasting.
The consultative document may be found on the Department’s website at http://www.dcalni.gov.uk/straieis_le_forbairt_gaeilge.pdf and the public may voice their opinion in relation to the document by visiting the following site https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PZQ3HKP. The deadline for recommendations is 5pm Tuesday 27 November 2012.
