An Italian who fell in love with Gaelic culture while cycling across the Western Isles, has been named Learner of the Year at the Royal National Mòd in Stornoway.
Carmine Calajezzi, 30, was born and raised in Abruzzo in Italy, before moving to Scotland five years ago. He made Skye his home last year, where he enrolled at Gaelic College Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Sleat to further his language skills as a part-time student. He now works full time in housekeeping at the college.
After taking every opportunity to speak Gaelic with friends and colleagues, Carmine has since taken part in several Gaelic radio programmes for beginners, ‘Beag air Bheag’ as well as being interviewed on BBC’s Radio nan Gàidheal.
Prince Charles presented Carmine Colajezzi with the 2016 Gaelic Learner of the year award. Sponsored by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society for Scotland (RHASS), the award acknowledges a Gaelic learner who’s made significant steps to becoming fluent.
Keith Brooke, the society's chairman said:
"RHASS society is proud to lend its support to the Gaelic Learner of the Year. We would like to commend Carmine for his efforts in keeping our vibrant Gaelic language alive for future generations to enjoy."
Underlining the international interest in Gaelic, this year’s Mòd sees children competing from Spanish and Zimbabwean backgrounds, as well as one competitor travelling from Abu Dhabi.
John Macleod, President of Mòd organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach, said:
“It’s an honour to have had His Royal Highness, The Lord of the Isles, attend this year’s Royal National Mòd. Today has been a significant day in the history of the Mòd, and I’m sure for the people of the Western Isles too. Carmine is a worthy winner of the Gaelic Learner of the Year award, his hard work and commitment has been remarkable. The level of competition already this year has been outstanding and we’re delighted to have witnessed such high levels of Gaelic being spoken in the younger generations.”
The statutory language development body Bòrd na Gàidhlig also announced at the Mòd how the distance learning "e-Sgoil initiative" had already had a positive effect on Gaelic education. The project allows schools to link up with Gaelic teachers via video conferencing, giving more pupils across Scotland the opportunity to learn different subjects through the language. Already in place, pupils at Hazlehead Academy in Aberdeen receive three lessons a week through the e-Sgoil system from a teacher based in Shawbost School on the Isle of Lewis.
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