Launching 'Treoraigh do Thodhchaí'!
New initiative exploring how Irish language can inspire environmental innovations
Academy of the Near Future is excited to partner with Gael Linn’s Gaelbhratach team to launch “Treoraigh do Thodhchaí’. We’re expanding beyond Dublin for the first time to deliver a STEM education programme through the Irish language. We are inviting students aged 15-17 to apply for a week-long programme in Galway that celebrates sustainability, Irish language and culture.
Students will be encouraged to reflect on the role of the Irish language in their own lives and explore its significance in the wider context of environmental sustainability.
It is the first Irish-language medium version of the 'Design Your Future City' programme, which has been delivered by Academy of the Near Future annually in Dublin with Dublin City Council since 2022.
Grace D'Arcy, Engagement Programme Manager of Academy of the Near Future said:
We are excited to build on our innovative, youth-led approach to sustainability and citizenship education by delivering it through the Irish language for the first time. This step celebrates the creativity and transdisciplinary potential the Irish language brings to global citizenship education.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Mairead Hurley, Assistant Professor in Science & Society Education, Trinity College Dublin,
This programme offers students 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. It will also draw on the expertise of Trinity School of Education’s Critical Change Lab programme, an EU project exploring creative educational approaches to promote active citizenship and youth activism.
Also commenting, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, Gael Linn said:
Gael Linn is thrilled to collaborate on ‘Treoraigh do Thodhchaí’, creating opportunities for young people to lead and shape a brighter future. Through our Gaelbhratach initiative, we have seen the incredible creativity and passion young people bring when given the chance to lead and shape their own future. This project is an exciting opportunity to amplify the student voice, combining their innovative ideas with the power of our language and culture to create a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.
Support from the Department of Education
The programme is being run with support from the Department of Education’s ‘Education for Sustainable Development to 2030 Fund’. Commenting on the initiative, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD said:
I am delighted to see 'Treoraigh do Thodhchaí' open for applications, supported by the Education for Sustainable Development to 2030 Fund. I am particularly pleased to see it being rolled out for the first time in the Gaeltacht community in Galway, with plans to extend it to the Gaeltacht community in Kerry in the coming months. This will encourage students to get involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to be excited about the role they can play in tackling climate issues in their community using technology.
