The Young Heroes

Na Gaisgich Òga

Na Gaisgich Òga | The Young Heroes is a Gaelic mentorship program for youth, run by Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College, in partnership with Iomairtean na Gàidhlig | Gaelic Affairs of Nova Scotia. Applicants should be between 10 and 16 years old, show a keen interest in Gaelic language and culture, and be a resident of Nova Scotia. Prior knowledge of Gaelic is an asset but not a requirement. The program gives students the opportunity to improve their language skills, participate in Gaelic culture (song, storytelling, music, dance, food traditions, and more), meet local native Gaelic speakers, and develop a deeper connection with the Gaelic community in Nova Scotia. Graduates of Na Gaisgich Òga are eligible for a Grade 10 Leadership Credit.

Weekend Sessions:

Between September and March, students participate in 8 weekends at the Gaelic College where they are engaged in a combination of immersion and cultural learning from some of the most experienced Gaelic instructors in the province. Students arrive Friday evening at 7pm and stay onsite until Sunday afternoon at 3pm. Chaperones for weekend sessions are coordinated by the program director and consist of parents who are willing to volunteer (criminal records and vulnerable sectors checks are required).

Mentor Sessions:

Students will also be paired with a language mentor, a Gaelic speaker from their community who they will meet with regularly throughout the program. 3 guided mentor sessions have been worked into the weekend sessions at the beginning, middle, and end of the program. Mentors are selected by the program director based on both language/teaching skills and proximity to the student. At the end of the first weekend session at the Gaelic College, parents and mentors will have the opportunity to meet in person and make a plan. See schedule for more details.

For more information please email Colin MacDonald: colin@gaeliccollege.edu

Deadline for applications: August 8, 2024