Are you a ‘Gníomhaí Gaeilge’ in 3rd level?

The Union of Students in Ireland and Conradh na Gaeilge will launch the new 'Gníomhaí Gaeilge' scheme today, Wednesday, 14 April 2021, a scheme that will provide recognition and training, among other supports, to 3rd level students and student representatives who are active in promoting the use of Irish in their colleges.

Niall Comer, President of Conradh na Gaeilge said: 

“Conradh na Gaeilge and the Union of Students in Ireland have been working with the Irish language societies and Irish Language Officers in third level colleges to develop, strengthen and expand them since 1998. There have been many events, training sessions, campaigns in the community, awards and other organised during these years. We recognise the significant progress made and believe that it is now time for us to build on the strong structure that we have built together. That's what we will do with the new ‘Gníomhaí Gaeilge’ scheme.

Lorna Fitzpatrick, President of the Union of Students in Ireland said:

“We believe that students actively promoting Irish at third level in Students’ Unions and Irish language Societies give a huge boost to the Irish language movement through the organisation of various projects, events and campaigns and the results of this work can be seen especially in the last few years with the increasing numbers of students getting involved. We would like to support these students more in the future and recognise them for the excellent work they do on a voluntary basis to provide opportunities to use Irish and to encourage the language amongst other students.

There are four parts to this new scheme:

1. Mentoring: Mentors will be available to provide advice, support and suggestions to students and student representatives undertaking the scheme
2. Training: There will be regular training workshops to train students and student representatives in the appropriate skills required to complete their work plan
3. Certification: All successful students and student representatives in the training, personal development and mentoring system will be entitled to a ‘Gníomhaí Gaeilge’ certificate, which they make reference to in their CV in the future and they will also be provided with a LinkedIn badge version
4. Awards: Student’s Unions agus Cumainn Gaelacha will be awarded the ‘Gníomhaí Gaeilge’ award if they succeed in achieving their agreed work programme with the mentors. These awards will not be competitive awards (Glór na nGael already have a competitive award scheme) but recognition of the Union’s or the Cumann’s success in achieving their work programme

The scheme will be launched by a panel of speakers who were very involved with their Cumann Gaelach’s and their Student’s Unions when they were at third level. The panel will include the following people:

• Niamh Ní Chróinín - Bean an Tí for the event and Manager of Raidió Rí-Rá 
• Osgur Ó Ciardha - One of the Founders of the Pop-Up Gaeltacht
• Caoimhe Ní Chathail - Television & Radio Presenter
• John Prendergast - Language Planning Officer with Tobar Dhuibhne

The new scheme will be launched in the 2021/22 academic year and students, Irish language societies, Students' Unions and potential student mentors can now express their interest to take part at this link.