Mol an Óige Children’s Program

 Mol an Óige - encourage the youth.

Encourage them with traditional songs.

Encourage them with traditional dances.

Encourage them with Ireland’s ancestral language, with memories of that island.

Encourage them with knowledge that spirals into questions.

Join Mol an Óige, Sean-nós Northwest's new program, where children are encouraged to explore who they are as Irish-rooted Americans through story, song, dance, and silly word-movement activities.

SNNW’s education specialist, Hope Hutsell, has carefully curated Mol an Óige to match the rhythm of Sean-nós Northwest’s adult program, while respecting the unique needs and abilities of children. This program begins each day with a review of I Love Salmon and Lampreys to raise awareness and respect for ancestral lands and waters of sovereign nations. Following this, children will explore fibers and weaving, and engage with the Irish language via RTÉ/TG4 media resources and fun word-movement games. Throughout the day, festival educators will visit the children to share their songs, stories, music, and dances. If you have a kiddo who just needs sanctuary space, we have a library corner of Irish literacy materials and quiet activities to engage them (parents welcome but not required). There will also be inclusive group and individual activities on offer to punctuate the normal flow of programming as needed.

Through this thoughtful presentation of Irish cultural practices, children will be eager to share their experiences, words, stories, songs, and dances with parents and friends.

This outcome reflects the meaning behind the Irish proverb that lends itself the our program’s name: Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí—encourage the youth, and they will flourish.

We’re honored to have CCÉ Oregon Youth Officer, Greta Hazilla-Dean, assisting Hope with her skills as a local young musician, sharing her insights and joy with the children.