Schoolchildren in Ireland are learning Welsh to find out more about the culture and language across the sea from them. As well as learning Irish they are now finding out about the language and culture of their Celtic cousins.
The Welsh Government wants to boost the number of people globally speaking Welsh. Now children at an Irish medium school - or gaelscoil- in Sandyford, Dublin, are among those overseas starting to siarad Cymraeg. Children at Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille, Belarmine, have begun the Chwarae yn Gymraeg (Playing in Welsh) programme. The initiative introduces Welsh language and culture in a fun way, outside the classroom.
The scheme for nine to 12 year-olds helps children get familiar with basic vocabulary and key phrases during activities such as sport, play and traditional Welsh dance. It is already used in English-medium schools in Wales.
