February 2008 A New Generation of Storytellers Entertain at NUI Galway

A group of sixth class pupils took up the ancient art of story telling in front of a packed audience at NUI Galway recently. The 11 and 12 year-olds had been developing their story telling abilities in special workshops for six weeks as part of an NUI Galway Access Office programme.

The children represented three local schools: Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla; Holy Trinity Girls School, Mervue; and St Michael's Boys School, Mervue. Parents, siblings, teachers and NUI Galway staff gathered for the performance and were treated to selection of stories ranging from the comical to the scary.

Clare Murphy, who facilitated the workshops with fellow storyteller Rab Fulton, said, "By retelling old tales, and inventing their own, children engage their imagination and find confidence in their own innate storytelling abilities."

The storytelling initiative is part of the NUI Galway Access Office's schools programme Uni 4 U. The three-year structured programme of activities aims to positively promote third level education to children and their communities. The programme is a combined sport and homework initiative that promotes third level education and the value of education itself, as well as improving sporting techniques and skills.

Speaking at the event, Vice President for Strategic and External Affairs at NUI Galway, Professor Gerard Hurley, said "Storytelling is part of the Irish tradition that we want to encourage it in the next generation. We also want to encourage younger children to consider third level education and to feel comfortable in its environment."

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