MANX-SPEAKING NURSERY RECEIVES IT BOOST

A Manx-speaking nursery has received a boost as it continues to provide a Manx Gaelic education.

Mooinjer Veggey has been granted more than £2,300 for computers and office IT equipment by Manx Lottery Trust.

The charity, which runs a nursery in Ballasalla, two bilingual Manx/English pre-schools in Braddan and Ballasalla, and the world’s only Manx medium primary school Bunscoill Ghaelgagh at St. Johns, has been able to buy two Macbooks, an iPad and a printer with the funding.

Established in 1996, Mooinjer Veggey – which translates in Manx Gaelic as ‘little people’ - follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and encourages learning through play. Within this, children learn Manx Gaelic through songs and rhymes and by using limited but regular Manx words and phrases in daily routines.

Helen Robinson, Administrator and Support Officer, said: ‘On behalf of the staff and pupils I would like to thank the Manx Lottery Trust for its generous award which will make a big difference to the smooth running of the nurseries, both in terms of computer reliability, recording activities and sharing information with the children and parents.

‘Our aim is to provide education with or through the Manx language, giving children the advantages of learning a second language at an early age.’

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘Mooinjer Veggey offers a wonderful nursey facility and we were happy to assist the charity with this grant.’