ógras 6 harcourt street dublin 2. contact (01) 475 1487 email eolas@ogras.ie

View in: Gaeilge

what is ógras?

Ógras is an Irish languge youth organisation for young people between the ages of 8 and 19 years. The clubs cater for two age groups. Óg-Ógras is established for children between the ages of 8 and 12 and Ógras is for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19.

An Ógras club may be established anywhere in the county where there is a group of young people interested in participating in an Irish language youth club. Of course, it is also necessary to have a meeting place and adult leaders for the club to operate.

Ógras organises regional, national and international events for its members throughout the year. In the Summer, children can also take part in summer camps that are organised throughout the country.

Ógras gives the opportunity to young people to practice what Irish they possess and assists them to become fluent in the language.

Objectives

• Promotion of the Irish Language
• Personal development of young people
• Promotion of our National Culture

What happens in the Club

In Ógras the young leaders run the clubs (with help from the adult leaders) and they have different activities such as basketball, board games, indoor soccer, music, drama, language games, crafts, fun games, set dancing, debates, etc.
Ógras is a national organisation and holds many regional and national events. Members also have the opportunity to participate in annual international events.

What are the Advantages?

1. The opportunity to use and practice their Irish in a pleasant social setting
2. The chance to improve their Irish for those who are still learning the language
3. The young person is encouraged to participate fully in the work
4. They are challenged to look at their views and habits both as an individual and also a group member
5. The positive aspects of work can be reflected in many areas of the young person's life - family life, friends and in the community
6. The young person is respected as an individual and the opinions of the leaders are not forced upon him/her.

Club Rules

1. Irish is the spoken language of the club.Although complete fluency is not a condition of membership, it is expected that they will improve on their current standard of Irish and achieve fluency.It is not permitted to use any language other than Irish.
2. Bad manners and bad language will not be tolerated in the club.
3. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted in the club.

Registering with Ógras

When a new club opens the leaders and members must register with Ógras immediately.Leaders must register all new members to ensure that they are covered by the Ógras Public Liability Insurance Policy.