Manx-speaking nursery secures cash boost

The Island's sole Manx-speaking nursery has received an important cash boost to continue its work.

Mooinjer Veggey has been given a £15,000 grant from the Manx Lottery Trust.

A ‘store of Gaelic treasure’, which translates to ‘Tasht ny Gaelgey’ in Manx, will soon be available at Mooinjer Veggey for youngsters and adults in a project designed to help children and their families learn and use the Manx language outside of the school environment.

The money will be used to allow a part time coordinator to commission resources from stories to songs, books to videos, science to history - all of which will be made available through the nursery's website.

Phil Gawne from the nursery says: "Our aim has always been to provide education through the Manx language and the generosity of the Manx Lottery Trust is a massive boost.

"By making resources available through YouTube and by expanding our website which will be accessible for all, this project will ensure more in-depth material is available for all ages at all times. It will also be ideal for any children wishing to catch up following the reduced lessons during Covid-19."

Since it was established in 1996, the nursery has helped over 170 pupils become fluent in Manx, radically transforming the fortunes of the language.