PPLI Annual Report 2018 - Flipbook - Page 29
Awareness raising campaign to highlight the importance of foreign languages
(3.A.1)
(i) Languages Connect: Development of Brand and Website
The development of the awareness raising campaign commenced in May 2018. A brand and website design
company was contracted via a tender process, and in July 2018 a full consultation process with key
stakeholders was held. Resulting from this consultation process the Languages Connect brand was decided
upon.
The Minister launched the brand and website in September 2018, marking Languages Connect’s first outing at
the Irish Times Higher Options exhibition 2018, which was attended by 25,000 post-primary senior cycle
students, teachers and guidance counsellors. Teachers were reached through sponsorship of the staff room
and a competition.
(ii) Additional Outreach and Events
Additional events at which Languages Connect had a presence
were EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), to highlight the
synergy between language capability and careers in STEM in the
EU, and Zeminar in November 2018, which was attended by more
than 30,000 post-primary students, teachers and parents.
Languages Connect had a main stage speaking slot and GAA star
Paul Mannion, spoke to 1,200 post-primary students about his
experiences learning Spanish and Mandarin. Students came and
spent time at the stand and many were genuinely interested in
the Languages Connect message. Merchandise was successfully
used as an incentive for students to connect on Instagram,
ensuring the possibility of future engagement with/exposure to
Languages Connect.
Speaking in another person's native tongue, making them smile and laugh is something technology will never
replace. It's that personal touch, like a hand written note that allows you to connect to people in a really special way
(Paul Mannion at Zeminar)
School Summit
PPLI and Languages Connect had a
both a speaking slot and a stand at the
two-day School Summit in the National
Show Centre. The theme was “Engage,
Explore, Experience”, and
approximately 5,000 students
attended, a large percentage of those
who attended engaged with our staff.
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