Sixteen Gaeltacht primary schools will undertake a special education programme in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM ) as a result of the new pilot programme An Chruinne, devised by Údarás na Gaeltachta and Junior Achievement Ireland.
During this academic year, Údarás na Gaeltachta intends to work with Junior Achievement Ireland to roll out the programme in 16 national schools in the Kerry, Cork, Galway, Mayo, and Donegal Gaeltacht areas.
The programme consists of five modules and will teach the higher primary classes STEM subjects through the medium of Irish.
Government chief whip and Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh, said: “I commend Údarás na Gaeltachta and Junior Achievement Ireland for establishing this innovative project. It is important that we encourage and provide the Gaeltacht’s younger generation with the skills to enable them to realise their vision for the Gaeltacht.”
Údarás na Gaeltachta chief executive, Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, added: “It is important for Údarás na Gaeltachta to encourage the Gaeltacht’s younger generation to move towards innovation and spark an interest in these sectors through their native language. They are our future entrepreneurs and scientists and they will create and develop the Gaeltacht of the future. Údarás na Gaeltachta intends to build on this project and extend it, if possible, in the future.”
