Údarás na Gaeltachta looks to empower and strengthen Gaeltacht youth culture

Glúin Z, a new concept and approach for Gaeltacht youth, is being launched by Údarás na Gaeltachta which hopes to empower young people in the Gaeltacht to ensure their voice is at the core of future opportunities being developed for young people in the Gaeltacht.

A key objective of the Glúin Z (Generation Z) project is that young people in the Gaeltacht will be provided with an opportunity to develop and enhance their Gaeltacht identity in a modern Gaeltacht society. Glúin Z aims to find innovative ways to promote the language and culture among young people and influence them from an Irish-language and Culture perspective by developing and creating new opportunities and ‘spaces’ for them to connect and build relationships in their areas of interest.

Information in relation to the Glúin Z project will be available at the Glúin Z: Enabling the Gaeltacht’s Youth Culture conference being hosted online by Údarás na Gaeltachta which will outline the results of research commissioned by the organisation on youth culture in the Gaeltacht and will showcase possible opportunities that will aim to strengthen and develop Gaeltacht Youth Culture.

It is hoped partnerships will be established as part of the project and this conference aims to inform and entice other organisations to participate in the project.

Speaking in relation to the language strengthening concept, Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, commented:
“On behalf of the Board, I welcome this new Gaeltacht youth culture research which will be presented at the Glúin Z Conference. Research results indicated that the voice of the younger generation and their Gaeltacht identity needs to be further developed. As part of the wider Glúin Z initiative the Gaeltacht’s younger generation will be empowered and strengthened through various opportunities and activities, and the voice of the younger generation will be promoted by all age groups through stakeholders and Generation Z themselves as the initiative is implemented. The Glúin Z concept and approach will inspire young leaders in the Gaeltacht to seize opportunities through the Irish language in the Gaeltacht in terms of culture, the environment and media – opportunities which will enhance Gaeltacht communities in the future.”

Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Officer of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said:
“The research carried out as part of Glúin Z provides a wonderful opportunity to bring together stakeholders and promote the voice of the Gaeltacht youth generation. A lot of work has been done in relation to youth in the Gaeltacht over the years, but this research accurately reflects what the Gaeltacht’s younger generation needs are and all areas where progress and development can be made. The Glúin Z Conference will sow the initial seed and it’s hoped the concept will be further developed as Generation Z grows.”