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Three teachers of Jèrriais and an Education Department senior adviser have visited the Isle of Man, North Wales and Cornwall with a view to identifying new ways of teaching Jèrriais in Jersey’s schools.
The teachers, Marianne Sargent, Ben Spink and Charlie Le Maistre, were joined by schools’ senior adviser, Lesley Stagg, in visits to several schools in each region and in meetings with educational policy-makers.
Commenting on behalf of the Jersey delegation, Mr Spink said: “When I asked a pupil in North Wales about the usefulness of learning Welsh, she told me that she views it as her language and that speaking it makes her feel more Welsh. We hope to promote a similar sense of enjoyment and appreciation of Jersey’s language and culture by encouraging the Island’s children to speak Jèrriais.”
On their return, the Jèrriais team and Lesley have established a new multi-agency taskforce known as JAG (Jèrriais Advisory Group). JAG comprises the Jèrriais team from L’Office on the Highlands Campus, as well as representation from the leaders of Jersey Heritage, Jersey National Trust, Société Jersiaise, Le Don Balleine Trust/Incorporated Association, and the Superintendent Registrar.
Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Sport, Tourism and Culture, Deputy Montfort Tadier, commented: “Jèrriais is a valuable part of our cultural heritage, and I am pleased to see our department working so closely with other communities in order to bring the benefit of their knowledge and experience to Jersey. It is also encouraging to see the establishment of a joined-up, multi-agency Jèrriais group.”
