Na Gaisgich Òga

Na Gaisgich Òga | The Young Heroes is a youth Gaelic mentorship and program offered by Colaisde na Gàidhlig. Launched in 2013, the program was created in response to the growing number of young Gaelic learners in Nova Scotia and the need for meaningful opportunities to continue their language journey. Through immersive learning experiences, the program provides youth with an engaging environment to develop their Gaelic while strengthening their connection to community, culture, and Gaelic identity. 

The program is built around five key elements: community-based learning, immersion-based learning, mentorship, intergenerational learning, and cultural learning. Participants receive over 100 hours of Gaelic immersion through the Gàidhlig aig Baile teaching method, are paired with Gaelic-speaking mentors from their communities, connect with elders and tradition bearers, and experience the language through music, storytelling, customs, and community events. Together, these elements create a supportive and authentic learning experience that helps young people build confidence, fluency, and lasting relationships with the Gaelic language and community. 

Program Overview  

  • Who Can Apply: Nova Scotia youth ages 10–16  
  • Dates: September 18, 2026 – April 4, 2027 
  • Program Structure: Eight immersive weekends at Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College with bi-weekly mentorship sessions held in participants’ local communities. (See full schedule below).  
  • Mentorship: Each participant is paired with a Gaelic-speaking mentor from their community, and they work together throughout the program.  
  • Learning Experience: Participants develop Gaelic through immersive, activity-based learning while exploring song, storytelling, music, dance, and other aspects of Gaelic culture. 
  • Leadership Credit: Graduates of the program are eligible to receive a Grade 10 Leadership Credit, which is added to their transcript upon reaching Grade 10. 

Deadline for applications: July 31, 2026 

Applicants should: 

  • Be a Nova Scotia resident aged 10–16.  
  • Demonstrate a genuine interest in and commitment to Gaelic language and culture.  
  • Be willing to use Gaelic regularly and share it with family, friends, and their community.  
  • Have strong family support for participating in the program and continuing their language learning. 
  • Have a parent or guardian who is able to provide transportation to weekend sessions and meetings with their local mentor. 

Participants receive: 

  • 100 hours of Gaelic immersion-based learning 
  • 60 hours of cultural learning, history, and folklore 
  • 30 hours of additional Gaelic mentorship  
  • Program graduates are eligible for a Grade 10 Leadership Credit  
  • Motivate students to learn, enjoy, share, and champion Gaelic Nova Scotia 
  • Provide young learners with an opportunity to be immersed in Gaelic language and culture 
  • Bring students closer to functional fluency in the language 
  • Cultivate a sense of identity as young Gaels living in Nova Scotia 
  • Enlighten youth to become aware and to respect intergenerational learning opportunities with regard to Gaelic cultural acquisition 
  • Develop an awareness in youth of the unique opportunity they have to contribute to the growth of the language 
  • $450: Tuition  
  • $200: Room 
  • $350: Meals  
  • Total: $1,000 (tax included) 

Apply via our form here: https://forms.gle/1XyzDai2y9Cj24vc8

 

Apply for bursaries here: https://forms.gle/ntaDn8J6sQjw6oet8

House Parent Information 

The role of House Parent is an important part of Na Gaisgich Òga | The Young Heroes. Although the program is small, with a maximum of 20 participants, House Parents help ensure that students have a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment throughout the program. 

The safety and well-being of every participant is Colaisde na Gàidhlig's highest priority. House Parents provide overnight supervision, offer support to students as needed, and work alongside program staff to help create a positive residential experience. 

Eligibility 

House Parents must be the parent or legal guardian of a participant attending the program. This is a volunteer position. As appreciation for their support, House Parents are provided with accommodations and meals for the duration of the program. 

Accommodations 

House Parents stay in the residence with the students and are responsible for overnight supervision. They are typically assigned their own bedroom and private bathroom, while students are grouped in accommodations based on age and gender. In some cases, particularly for younger or first-time participants, students may choose to share a room with their parent or guardian if that person is serving as a House Parent and staying onsite.       

Responsibilities 

House Parent responsibilities include: 

  • Providing overnight supervision in the student residence. 
  • Being available to respond to student needs or emergencies during designated hours. 
  • Helping maintain a safe, respectful, and quiet environment in the residence. 
  • Supporting program staff by communicating any concerns related to student well-being. 
  • Becoming familiar with participant room assignments, emergency procedures, and relevant medical or allergy information. 
  • Setting out the evening snack and helping with light cleanup and tidying afterward. 

Required Documentation 

All House Parents must submit: 

  • A completed House Parent application form. 
  • A current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. 
  • Two letters of reference (required for new applicants only; returning House Parents do not need to resubmit references). 

Please submit all required documentation at least three weeks prior to the start of the program. 

Click here to apply to be a House Parent for Na Gaisgich Òga:  

https://forms.gle/KSuk4JbAsBrz4v7g6 

For more information, contact Gaelic Director Colin MacDonald at colin@gaeliccollege.edu.