LOTTERY CASH FOR MANX LANGUAGE NURSERY

Learning the Manx national language and accessing educational resources has never been easier after the Island’s sole Manx-speaking nursery received a major boost from Manx Lottery Trust, which has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money that has come from The National Lottery Community Fund.

A ‘store of Gaelic treasure’, which translates to ‘Tasht ny Gaelgey’ in Manx, will soon be available at Mooinjer Veggey for youngsters and adults alike in a project designed to help children and their families learn and use the Manx language outside of the school environment.

The need for additional support was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic when the charity reported a lack of resources for parents trying to raise their children through Manx, a language many parents don’t speak.
A grant of £15,000 from the Trust will allow a part time coordinator to commission resources from stories to songs, books to videos, science to history – all of which will be made available through the Mooinjer Veggey website.

As well as original short stories, translations of existing stories, targeted science and maths resources, videos, a new book and a CD of rhymes and songs will also be produced, along with activity packs for parents who want to help their children learn Manx at home and for nursery providers wishing to use Manx.

Mooinjer Veggey – which translates in Manx Gaelic as ‘little people’ - follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and encourages learning through play. It promotes the Manx language and culture in addition to supporting the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh through developing new learning resources, staff training and parental support.

Since it was established in 1996, it has helped over 170 pupils become fluent in Manx, radically transforming the fortunes of the language. After falling dramatically from the end of the 19th century, the number of Manx speakers has increased significantly since the 1990s and the 2011 census recorded more than 1,800 speakers on the Island.

Phil Gawne of Mooinjer Veggey explained: ‘Our aim has always been to provide education through the Manx language and the generosity of the Manx Lottery Trust is a massive boost.

‘By making resources available through YouTube and by expanding our website which will be accessible for all, this project will ensure more in-depth material is available for all ages at all times. It will also be ideal for any children wishing to catch up following the reduced lessons during Covid-19.’
Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘Mooinjer Veggey encourages people to learn but also strengthens wider communities of Manx speakers as children and their families become more grounded in Manx society and culture, with stronger senses of place and personal wellbeing.
‘An added benefit is that research also shows bilingual children are better at acquiring additional languages.’

This grant was from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Awards Programme. Information on current funding programmes and application forms can be found at www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes

To find out more about the work of the Manx Lottery Trust visit: www.mlt.org.im.