PPLI Annual Report 2020 - Flipbook - Page 53
Summer Camps (2.C.2)
Action Progress
A call was put out for applications by potential providers of heritage language summer camps. The language
of the camp was left up to the coordinator. Despite initial interest in the call, as the deadline was 31 March,
Covid obviously had a significant impact on the number of applications submitted. Two applications were
received, one from a coordinator from 2019, and a new one. Both applications were evaluated and deemed
appropriate for funding.
There was a Romanian camp in Dublin and a Polish camp in Cork. The summer camps were funded by PPLI
but facilitated by the coordinators. The coordinators had to deal with a constantly changing situation due to
Covid. They had to deal with new regulations, and both camps had to change their venues and their dates.
Despite all the hurdles, they took place, and were run efficiently and enthusiastically. There were
approximately 17 students in each of the summer camps and, despite the restrictions, students were able to
experience a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, sports, culture and music, and food tasting.
Impact
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Both camps visited by PPLI staff
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Teachers and Students were very engaged
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Students awarded the camps 4.5 out of 5 stars in online feedback
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Video clip produced on the summer camps (https://vimeo.com/512979457)
Comments from students
“It’s a good opportunity to speak Polish with people my own age.”
“Going to an Irish school you don’t learn much about Poland, so it was interesting to learn more about it.”
“As I didn’t get to go to Moldova as I usually do, because of Covid, this gave me the chance to feel more connected
to my nationality and my background.”
“I think the summer camp is important because I lived in Romania for 9 years, but then I forgot the language and I
feel that if I want to go back in the future to see grandparents, or family, that I need to learn about the culture, and
remind myself about it.”
“My favourite activity was Polish cuisine day.”
“I liked the Romanian traditions and dances because they were really fun and a good way to connect with our
culture and past.”
“The best thing about the camp was that there was a lot of different things to do.”
“When I first heard of it I thought I wouldn’t really like it but it was way more fun than I could ever imagine.”
“The camp was the best part that happened this summer, in three words it was amazing.”
Comments from teachers
“I feel that it’s really important to know where you’re from and to know your roots. I feel that should be maintained
from one generation to the next even if people are living abroad.”
“I found out about this camp quite recently, and I thought wow, I have to be part of this.”
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