The CONNECT Centre's Academy of the Near Future, in partnership with Gael Linn’s Gaelbhratach team, has launched a new Irish-language educational programme for young people. This initiative will feature hands-on workshops addressing environmental challenges and explore how the Irish language and traditions can inspire creative, sustainable, and technological solutions for the future.
The initiative – ‘Treoraigh do Thodhchaí’ – is inviting applications from young people aged 15-17 for the week-long programme starting on 31 March 2025 at Stiúideo Cuan, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the role of the Irish language in their own lives and explore its significance in the wider context of environmental sustainability.
It is the first Irish-language medium version of the 'Design Your Future City' programme, which has been delivered by Academy of the Near Future annually in Dublin since 2022.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Mairead Hurley, Assistant Professor in Science & Society Education, Trinity College Dublin, said: “We are excited to build on our innovative, youth-led approach to sustainability and citizenship education by delivering it through the Irish language for the first time. This step celebrates the creativity and transdisciplinary potential the Irish language brings to global citizenship education.
“This programme offers students a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, while exploring the role of Irish language and culture in shaping a sustainable future. It will also draw on the expertise of Trinity School of Education’s Critical Change Lab programme, an EU project exploring creative educational approaches to promote active citizenship and youth activism.”
Also commenting, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, Gael Linn said: “Gael Linn is thrilled to collaborate on ‘Treoraigh do Thodhchaí’, creating opportunities for young people to lead and shape a brighter future. Through our Gaelbhratach initiative, we have seen the incredible creativity and passion young people bring when given the chance to lead and shape their own future. This project is an exciting opportunity to amplify the student voice, combining their innovative ideas with the power of our language and culture to create a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.”
Support from the Department of Education
The programme is being run with support from the Department of Education’s ‘Education for Sustainable Development to 2030 Fund’. Commenting on the initiative, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD said: "I am delighted to see 'Treoraigh do Thodhchaí' open for applications, supported by the Education for Sustainable Development to 2030 Fund. I am particularly pleased to see it being rolled out for the first time in the Gaeltacht community in Galway, with plans to extend it to the Gaeltacht community in Kerry in the coming months. This will encourage students to get involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to be excited about the role they can play in tackling climate issues in their community using technology."
Further details on application and criteria are available here.
About The Critical ChangeLab
The Critical ChangeLab project, led by Trinity’s School of Education, is an EU-funded research project developing transdisciplinary and youth-led approaches to democracy and global citizenship education in Europe. The Trinity research team is Dr Mairéad Hurley (PI) and Dr Caitlin White from the School of Education.