Anns an Foghar 2023 ghabh naoinear de luchd obrach Roinn Foghlaim, Sgilean is Seirbheisean Chloinne na Comhairle pàirt ann an cùrsa far an robh iad a’ leasachadh an cuid sgilean cànain a thaobh na Gàidhlig. Chaidh an cùrsa, Turas, a lìbhrigeadh air-loidhne airson naoi seachdainean agus bhathar ag amas air feadhainn aig an robh deagh thuigs’ air a’ chànan no a chaidh tro fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig.
A’ bruidhinn as leth na Comhairle, thuirt Evelyn Coull NicLeòid,
“Is e prògram ath-shlànachaidh na Gàidhlig a tha ann an Turas ‘s e stèidhichte air ionnsachadh cò-obrachail, ionnsachadh cànain stèidhichte air susbaint agus teagasg do dhaoine a dh’fhuiling cruadal. Tha Turas a’ togail misneachd, a’ leasachadh sgìlean sòisealta agus a’ cumail taic ri dòighean nas fhèarr Gàidhlig a chleachdadh anns gach suidheachadh. Bha an fheadhainn a ghabh pàirt fada nas misneachaile ann a bhith a’ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig anns nan obair làitheil agus cuideachd rin teaghlaichean agus anns a’ choimhearsnachd”.
Thuirt Morgan MacLeòid, a chaidh tro fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig agus a tha a-nis ag obair aig Aonad Ioma Mheadhain na Comhairle,
“Bha an cùrsa air leth feumail dhomh agus tha deagh bhuaidh air a bhith aige air mar a tha mi a’ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig bho là gu là. Fhuair sinn deagh oideachadh agus bha an taic bhon fheadhainn eile a ghabh pàirt ann an Turas na bhuannachd mhòr dhomh. Mholainn do dhuine sam bith Turas a dhèanamh nuair a nochdas cothroman eile”.
Thuirt Elaine Poke, Tidsear Curaicealam nan Tràth Bhliadhnaichean,
“Ged a bha deagh thuigs’ agam cha robh mi idir misneachdail ann a bhith a’ bruidhinn Gàidhlig ri inbhich eile. Tron chùrsa seo, fhuair mi cothrom mo sgilean cànain a leasachadh agus tha mi a’ faireachdainn fada nas comhfhurtaile Gàidhlig a chleachdadh a-nise. Nam obair, bidh mi ag an sàs le clann òga agus tha leughadh, cluich agus seinn nam pàirt chudromach dem m’ obair. Tha tuigse fada nas fheàrr agam air ionnsachadh cànain a-nise. Chòrd na naoi seachdainean rium gu mòr. Chan e a-mhàin gun d’ fhuair mi teisteanas SCQF aig Ìre 6, ach tha Plana Gnìomh Pearsanta agam a-nis airson tuilleadh leasachaidh a dhèanamh airson mo chuid Ghàidhlig a chleachdadh anns an àit’ obrach agus anns a’ choimhearsnachd”.
Fhuair gach neach teisteanas aig Irean 5 no 6 tro Abaid a’ Bhatail Nuaidh. Thathar an dòchas leantainn le tuilleadh chothroman ionnsachaidh tro Thuras nas fhaide air adhart sa bhliadhna.
Màrtainn MacLeòid agus Morgan MacLeòid a ghabh pàirt, gu soirbheachail, air cùrsa Turas.
Turas Course
In the Autumn of 2023 nine members of staff from the Department of Education, Skills and Children’s Services undertook an Adult Achievement Award which gave them more confidence in the use of Gaelic. The online course, entitled Turas, which is aimed at those who went through GME or had a high level of understanding of Gaelic, ran weekly for 9 weeks and was delivered online.
Evelyn Coull MacLeod, from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said:
“Turas is a Gaelic Language Recovery programme based upon the principles of co-operative learning, content-based language learning and trauma-informed practice. Turas builds confidence, develops social skills and supports better habits regards usage of Gaelic. Participants reported increased confidence, improved relationships with family and colleagues, and greater satisfaction with their use of Gaelic in both professional and personal spheres.
Morgan MacLeod, a former GME pupil and Multimedia Developer said:
“I found the Turas course to be excellent and it has had a significant impact on my usage, fluency and confidence. We benefited greatly from our tutor and the support from the other attendees really added to the positive experience. I would encourage others to undertake Turas when the opportunity becomes available again”.
Elaine Poke, Early Years Curriculum Teacher further added,
“Although I understand the language completely, I wasn’t confident in using it when speaking to other adults. The course enabled me to gain confidence and further develop my linguistic skills. My post involves working with young learners and engaging with them through play, reading and singing through the medium of Gaelic and the course has given me a greater understanding of language acquisition. I enjoyed the nine weeks of delivery and as well as having obtained an SCQF at Level 6 I have now developed a Personal Action Plan for my continued development and use of Gaelic in my workplace and within the wider community”.
All participants received accreditation at SCQF Levels 5 & 6 through Newbattle Abbey. It is hoped to build on the success of Turas in 2024 and more information on learning opportunities will be made available in the coming months.
Pictured are Martin MacLeod and Morgan MacLeod, who both successfully completed the course.