20th July 2006

Eight mainland families, whose children are attending Gaelic Medium Education in Inverness, Bonar Bridge, Dingwall and Ullapool are taking part in a pilot project organised by Comunn na Gàidhlig.

“In response to initial enquires for this type of course we have, with assistance from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, organised a week long course in Lewis for families whose children are attending Gaelic Medium Units but where the parents are not Gaelic speakers”, explains Chief Executive Donald Martin. “ We are using the Total Immersion method of teaching being promoted by Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Àraich where the language is taught to the adults not in a classroom situation, but in the home through daily domestic activities. The children will be joining Sradagan an Rubha for morning sporting and leisure activities through Gaelic in Aird Hall and will be joining up with their families for afternoon visits throughout the islands. We are anxious to assess the benefits of this type of course over the week and hope that we can provide on-going support for the parents when they return home in order to encourage them to continue to learn the language along with their children.”