PPLI Annual Report 2020 - Flipbook - Page 3
Foreword
I welcome this annual report by Post-Primary Languages Ireland, in the context of their ongoing role in
implementing key actions of Languages Connect – Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017.
This strategy aims to support better learning of foreign languages in the Irish education system and to increase
the diversity of provision for the inherent benefits to individuals, society and the economy.
I would like to congratulate PPLI on the extensive body of work that they have managed to accomplish in the
midst of what was an extremely challenging year.
I was delighted to speak via Videolink to 5,000 TY students from over 70 schools all across Ireland as part of
#ThinkLanguages, their event which is a national celebration of the cultural, social, personal and career benefits
that foreign language skills can bring. This year’s theme for #ThinkLanguages ‘Think Global, Act Local’ was very
apt for 2020, a year in which we came to realise just how interconnected we are with the rest of the world – and
how important it is that we can communicate with our fellow global citizens. 2020 was also a year in which we
were getting to know more about what is great in our own locality and learning to appreciate more about what
is on our own doorstep. In Ireland we are fortunate to have such a diversity of languages spoken around us.
Learning and maintaining foreign language skills develops the mind in so many ways – bringing a broader
outlook on the world, adaptability, determination, resilience, empathy and improved communication skills. These
are all vital skills for our young people today in these changing and challenging times.
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