New pilot programme on multilingualism to be funded by RTÉ Late Late Toy Show Appeal 2022

A pilot project bringing ‘a creative, playful, storytelling approach to multilingualism’ in preschool settings in Dublin 24 will be made possible by funding from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 2022.

Early Childhood Ireland, the leading organisation in the Early Years sector, has been awarded a grant of just over €70,000 to deliver the arts-based programme, in partnership with Mother Tongues. The pilot project, which will be delivered through home-preschool partnerships, is expected to launch later in 2022.

Welcoming the grant funding, Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said: “Thanks to the RTE Toy Show Appeal funding, we will develop, pilot and evaluate the impact of a new toolkit which will help preschool staff and parents to support early language and literacy development in young children. We will create bespoke creative programmes and activities, such as a storytelling toolkit, aimed at enhancing development, resilience and wellness for children.

“We’re delighted to work with Mother Tongues on this pilot programme in preschool settings in areas of Dublin 24, one of the most culturally diverse areas in Ireland. Our hope is that this project will strengthen the parental partnership and support greater social inclusion through preschool settings – giving families and their children the best start in their lives.”