Scoil na Seolta: A Vision for Irish Medium Education in East Belfast

Just a few weeks away, Scoil na Seolta will welcome its first nursery pupils to their desks. By September, it will be the home of East Belfast’s first class of Primary One students. This new Irish medium school is the result of a long journey for Irish language advocate Linda Ervine, who has worked tirelessly to bring it to life since 2018.

The Challenges Faced

The past year was particularly challenging for Ervine. Balancing her roles as the manager of the Turas project, a participant in her final semester of a degree in Irish, and临时 management of Scoil na Seolta due to staff illness, was overwhelming. Her son’s health issues added to the stress, with many sleepless nights.

“All of these things have taken their toll on my well-being this year, but they have also brought out the best in other people who have shown immense support,” Ervine reflected on New Year’s Eve.

Opening Controversies

Scoil na Seolta’s opening plans were met with controversy. During a meeting between Education Minister Paul Givan and the Loyalist Communities Council in September, the LCC, which includes representatives from loyalist paramilitary groups, raised concerns about the school causing “polarity and volatility.”

Following the meeting, a banner calling for the relocation of the school from its Montgomery Road site was erected. The PSNI is treating this act as a hate crime.

The Journey to Success

Despite the challenges, Ervine remains determined to see the school thrive. Scoil na Seolta will transition from its current premises at Garnerville Presbyterian Church to a temporary new site. Ervine’s vision includes providing a comprehensive educational experience that combines integrated education with immersive bilingual learning in an area where educational achievement has historically been low.

“We are working towards building a cohesive society by bringing children together,” Ervine said.