WATCH: New website realised by Comann nam Párant raises awareness on Gaelic learning opportunities for children
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A NAIRN parents association has launched a new website aiming to encourage more students to learn Gaelic.
The new portal nairngaelic.scot was conceived and realised by Comann nam Párant, a group run by parents of Gaelic Medium Education (GME) children in Nairn.
It features videos and resources for parents to find out more about options available in Nairn for families who want to encourage their children taking up GME.
From a toddlers groups and nursery classes to music activities, shinty sessions in Gaelic in partnership with Camanachd, theatre and more, the resource is aimed at reaching parents in Nairn who might not be aware of the full offer of courses in the language for their children.
Secretary at Comann nam Párant, Nicola Henderson, said: "As we came out of lockdown last year, we were aware that we had not been able to raise awareness on the fact that a bilingual education was an option in Nairn. In previous years you'd be able to go around toddlers and nursery groups and speak to a lot of people in person, but this hadn't happened for two years.
"We wanted to find a way to get the information out there. Even though we are now starting to going back, we are trying to reach those people who have maybe moved out of those groups – so we wanted to get the information online and share it around – that way people can find out more about what's available and they can take their own time to learn more about Gaelic activities in Nairn and options for Children and young people
Mrs Henderson has two children who are both going through Gaelic education, and she said she was impressed by the benefits of bilingual education in her own house.
She added: "I love Gaelic and I believe it increases our connection to the Highlands, t the places were we live and grow up, and for our children to understand a bit more about their history and heritage - that's a really positive thing.
"The benefits of bilingualism are huge: there are cognitive benefits that will help children throughout their lives and there is also a real skill in switching between different languages – if they go on to learn other languages in secondary school they will find it easier because they have already ingrained an understanding on how to switch between different languages
"It's a great way to understand other cultures and see the world with fresh eyes, and there's employment benefits as well - not only about just knowing another language but also working on Gaelic TV or other Gaelic media - or communities where Gaelic is spoken.. there's lots of different benefits.
"There was a great momentum before the pandemic and that has been lost in the past two years so we want to pick up from that and raise awareness so people can appreciate the opportunities offered in Nairn to their children. "
The initiative was supported with funding by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, who contributed with more than £1500 to the making of the videos and fliers.
