New Manx language badge for Girl Guiding and Scouts Isle of Man

Guides and scouts across the Isle of Man are to have greater access to the Manx language as Culture Vannin launches a new project.

'Gaelg Aboo!' (or, 'Hurray for Manx!') will be aimed at young people aged 4 to 18 in Girl Guiding Isle of Man and Scouts Isle of Man.

It will run from September 2025 to September 2026, as the cultural organisation marks the Year of the Manx Language 2026.

A key feature of the project is the creation of a brand-new 'Gaelg Aboo!' badge – the first Guiding and Scouts badge ever dedicated to the Manx language.

The badge will be awarded to participants who complete a series of age-appropriate challenges linked to workshops and follow-on activities.

With more than 70 units Island-wide, including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts, the project has the potential to reach over 1,200 young people.

Ruth Keggin Gell, Manx Language Development Officer at Culture Vannin, is to lead the project alongside the heads of Girl Guiding and Scouts Isle of Man.

She said: "We’re excited to launch this project, and hope that it will bring joy and a love for Manx to all who experience it!

"There aren’t very many Guiding or Scouts badges exploring languages and so it’s wonderful to create one that helps spread the importance of minority languages."

The project has been made possible by a grant from the Rotary Club of Douglas.

A spokesman said: "We are delighted to be supporting this prestigious charity, Culture Vannin, in their work with the Scout and Guide Association to create a unique Manx proficiency badge.

"This initiative will encourage and enable our young people to explore our rich Manx heritage, and learn to speak the Manx language, which will enrich both them as individuals and our community as a whole."

A vital element of the project will be workshops, with leaders given access to a digital handbook and an online pack of easy-to-use learning resources to help units work towards their badges.

Culture Vannin is looking for engaging, friendly instructors with a good knowledge of Manx to deliver workshops from September onwards.

If you are interested, contact Ruth Keggin Gell at Culture Vannin, sharing your relevant experience: gaelg@culturevannin.im