Coláiste na bhFiann Teo.

Coláiste na bhFiann

(Summer Colleges)

Cumann na bhFiann

(Youth Services and After-care)

  Background 

 Coláiste na bhFiann Teo was founded in 1968 in Rosmuc, with a total of 60 students attending. Currently there are over 2,000 students who attend every summer throughout 17 courses. Early in the Seventies, Cumann na bhFiann was founded as an after-care service. This service is now open to anyone who is happy to speak Irish at the clubs and activities. Cumann na bhFiann gives young people between the ages of 9 and 18 a chance to use Irish as a living language outside of the Education system. Social interaction is one of the most important things in a young person’s life, so it is important that they can spend some of their time through Irish at organised events they are interested in. It’s important that a wide range of activities covering the most popular interests are included, such as music, art, drama, technology, Sport/Athletics of all kinds and outdoor trips.

Who are attending the clubs?

* Those who attended Coláiste na bhFiann courses (60%)* Those who attended other summer courses (10%)* Those who attend a Gaelscoil or Gaelcholáiste (10%)* Others (20%) 

Coláiste na bhFiannColáiste na bhFiannSummer CollegesSummer CollegesAs at 2011As at 2011

Coláiste na bhFiannColáiste na bhFiannCumann na bhFiannCumann na bhFiannAs at 2011/2012As at 2011/2012

Droim Rí /DrumreeFor many years we have recommended a Youth Centre as part of the national Irish Language structure for young people. Using Wales as an example, Cumann na bhFiann are currently working to achieve this aim. 

Amongst the services which will be provided at the Droim Rí site are:

•Special Interest weekends - Music, Drama, Technology, Sports etc.

•Fun Days for Gaelscoileanna as School trips

• Weekly Camps for Transition Year students, emphasising learning through activities.

•Family Weekends

•A Training/Meeting centre for Organisations

•A Centre which will be organised entirely through Irish.

 

How does Cumann na bhFiann’s work achieve the main aims of the 20 year

strategy?

• A National network of Youth Clubs

• Serving 3,000 young people annually through Clubs and Colleges

• Preparing young people to continue with Irish language activism, in terms of education, Irish organisations, working in public services etc.

• An Irish language centre which adds to the services that are available to young people

• An Irish language centre which is available for teacher training, etc.

• Supporting development in the Gaeltacht