Sixth class is an important time in the educational and personal development of young people, where they prepare to say goodbye to primary school and embark on the second level journey.
Covid-19 denied this important transitional period to pupils of sixth class this year but thanks to Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, pupils of Gaeltacht schools around the country got some extra help along the way as part of the Slán leis an mBunscoil project.
Launched by the Office of the Taoiseach as part of the daily Covid response update on May 11, pupils of sixth class in Gaeltacht schools were invited to participate in the project by submitting a piece of writing.
Themes included their school years to date, the abrupt end that came to their days in primary school, what lies ahead and in particular a chance to tell their own Covid story.
Along with a special message by An tUachtarán Micheál D Ó'hUigínn, these stories (over 300 in all ) have been gathered together and published by Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta.
Aisling Nic Dhonnacha, Oifigeach Forbartha Chonnacht / Laighean with Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta was particularly delighted to see such strong participation from the region.
“Students from Ceathrú Thaidhg, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh agus Tóin Ré Gaoith feature strongly in this wonderful collection and we are very proud of that.
"This unique book gives an insight into the lives of a generation dealing with an important transitional period during a worldwide crisis.
"The voice of this generation is not usually heard and it has proven to be an important historical project as well as a chance for these talented young people to tell their story", said Aisling.
A copy of the book has been sent to every young person who took part in the project. Slán leis an mBunscoil is a Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta project with the backing of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta with funding from Roinn na Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíne, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta.
