£370k For Ulster-Scots Education Project

£370,000 is being invested in an Ulster-Scots Education project at the University of Ulster.

The Ministerial Advisory Group Ulster-Scots Academy appointed the university to develop a range of Ulster-Scots teaching materials suitable for the post-primary sector (Key Stages 3, 4 & 5), colleges, universities and the public.

It will also create an online Ulster-Scots academic library and promote Ulster-Scots in education through publications, conferences and creative writing competitions.

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "This is an exciting project which will provide teaching materials for schools as well as for the wider public. This project and the other projects which I am funding through the Ulster-Scots Academy’s Research and Development Grant Scheme, will allow those who have an interest in Ulster-Scots to tap into a rich resource of materials which will broaden their interest and knowledge in this aspect of our cultural heritage."

Welcoming the funding Dr Bill Smith, Chair of the Academy Group said: "We are delighted that the Minister is supporting better knowledge and understanding of our Ulster-Scots heritage. Initiatives like the Education Project are helping to build a united community, one which celebrates its diverse traditions."

University of Ulster project manager Frank Ferguson said: "The Ulster-Scots dimension is something that everyone in the province can cherish as part of their cultural heritage. The key aim of the project is to develop an innovative model of educational materials for all post primary children here. We will achieve this by working with schools and other key stakeholders across the province to deliver Ulster-Scots materials for pupils, teachers, educationalists and the general public through workshops, talks and online projects."

(IT/CD)