Two learners from Galway and Roscommon Education & Training Board (GRETB ) feature in a new documentary on TG4 that follows TikTok sensation, Dancing With the Stars finalist and former ETB student Kayleigh Trappe as she hits the road to meet a diverse group of ETB learners. Eachtraí Foghlama le Kayleigh Trappe (Learning Adventures with Kayleigh Trappe ) features adult learner Páraic Ó hEidhin and post-primary school student Éadaoin Kinsella O'Neill on very different learning journeys through the Irish language.
Education and training boards are the largest provider of education through the medium of Irish at second level and deliver further education and training every year to over a quarter of a million people of all ages who want to reskill or upskill. In Lettermore, Kayleigh meets adult learner Páraic and his tutor Patrick to hear about their ETB’s boat building course. Páraic, who had the points to go to college when he finished school, decided to do an apprenticeship because he wanted to work with his hands. He shares the advice he gives to his own children: "Whatever you decide to do in life,” Páraic states, “make sure it's something you like. If you don't have a smile on your face while you're working, chances are you're not in the right job. Make sure you follow your own dreams and not someone else's."
A girl who followed her own dream is Éadaoin, who Kayleigh meets on Inis Oírr, the last stop on her adventure. Éadaoin made the 300km trip from Wexford to study for her Leaving Certificate in Coláiste Ghobnait after she “fell in love with the place, the language and the people,” on a transition year Gaeltacht trip, and then made the leap of studying the subjects through Irish. She loves the freedom and independence life on the Island offers: “I can go anywhere, any time, and that’s brilliant,” she says.
Speaking of the week-long adventure, Kayleigh said: “I've had an amazing week. It's so wonderful to see the opportunities that the ETBs provide across Ireland. I got to meet such a variety of people around the country, all with their own amazing stories. They all have a positive outlook towards Irish.”
Galway & Roscommon Education and Training Board provides inclusive education and training opportunities through the medium of Irish, supporting learners of all levels - from fluent speakers to those looking to improve their Irish - across a range of subject areas and learning environments.
Speaking in advance of the broadcast, David Leahy, GRETB chief executive said: “We’re delighted that and are very proud that two of our learners and one of our tutors are featured in Eachtraí Foghlama le Kayleigh Trappe. Their stories reflect just a small part of the diverse and vibrant learning community across GRETB. Many of our learners studying through the medium of Irish come from varied educational backgrounds. With the right supports, tailored learning environments and scholarship opportunities, our learners can embrace the language and progress both personally and academically.”
“GRETB is committed to supporting all learners on their education journey-and this documentary is a great showcase of what’s possible when opportunity, inclusion, and ambition come together,” he concluded.
Eachtraí Foghlama le Kayleigh Trappe will be aired on TG4 on Monday, September 29 at 7.30pm.
