#ThinkLanguages Festival: Laois Schools Celebrate Linguistic Diversity
The seventh annual #ThinkLanguages festival, a nationwide celebration of languages and cultures, saw enthusiastic participation from Laois schools. From November 18th to 22nd, over 17,500 students across Ireland took part in this flagship event organised by Languages Connect. The festival aimed to emphasize the personal, social, professional, and economic advantages of learning foreign languages, echoing this year's theme, ‘Think Global, Act Local.’
Portlaoise College's Thriving Multilingual Celebration
Portlaoise College, a key participant, integrated the festival into their transition year (TY) program. Their transition year students designed and executed a week of immersive activities, showcasing the diverse linguistic landscape of their school and the surrounding community. Their activities included workshops in Spanish, German, Polish, French, and Korean, bringing the languages to life. The students organized everything, from Korean workshops with calligraphy practice to lively Spanish sessions featuring salsa dancing and a football match! This demonstrates the initiative and dedication of the students. A dedicated group of six TY students meticulously planned and coordinated these events, which were also supported by local organisations and businesses. The school expressed their gratitude to local businesses, particularly those on Main Street, who helped host a multicultural scavenger hunt. They also thanked Laois Library for their contribution. This collaborative spirit highlights the broader community engagement of the festival.
Local Community Engagement
The collaborative effort extended beyond the school walls. The TY students worked closely with the local community, seeking to foster a greater appreciation for global cultures. The multicultural scavenger hunt was a highlight of the week. This initiative exemplifies the 'Think Global, Act Local' theme, encouraging students to find inspiration for their activities both within and beyond their immediate environment. Local businesses and community spaces were integral to this success. Furthermore, Post-Primary Languages Ireland's support was pivotal, offering materials, posters, and gadgets that amplified the event's reach and message. This collaboration ensures the success of the program.
Mountrath Community School's Engaging Initiatives
Mountrath Community School marked its third annual #ThinkLanguages Day on Friday, November 22nd. The event started with an opening ceremony, followed by a lively online language quiz. The school’s Transition Year students also organised engaging activities throughout the week, culminating in the special day. Their initiatives included delivering badges, word games, pens, and stickers to junior classes to encourage participation and build anticipation. The enthusiasm was contagious, as students engaged in a ‘Just Dance’ competition, learned about Irish Sign Language (ISL) through signing Christmas songs, and explored Chinese calligraphy. This range of activities highlights the diverse range of languages and cultural experiences that were celebrated.
Nationwide Participation and Student Achievements
The nationwide scope of the #ThinkLanguages initiative enabled friendly competition between schools. Students from Mountrath shone in the online quiz, with Amelie, Emma, Katie, and Daniel achieving leaderboard positions. This illustrates the positive and competitive aspects of the program. The event’s success wasn’t just about competition; it was about fostering a love of language and culture. The diverse activities, from the engaging games to the insightful workshops, reflect the event's core message about the benefits of foreign language learning. The enthusiasm of students and teachers was inspiring and highlighted the overall success of the initiative.
A Celebration of Global Connectivity
The success of the #ThinkLanguages festival in Laois underscores the importance of fostering multilingualism and cultural understanding in schools. The events in both Portlaoise College and Mountrath Community School showcased not only student talent but also the power of community involvement. The festival served as a vibrant platform for students to connect with global cultures, embracing diversity and understanding the benefits of language acquisition. The positive impact is clear – these initiatives inspire future generations to embrace diverse languages and cultures, enhancing Ireland’s global standing. The future looks bright for these students, and for Ireland's position in the global community.
