PEACEPLUS Tender – Teanga & A Wheen o Wurds – PEACEPLUS Funded

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council seeks to appoint a suitably qualified organisation(s) / individual(s) to develop the platforms of Irish and Ulster Scots language groups, so that their respective value and contribution to the Borough is recognised, appreciated and accepted as part of the fabric of the cultural heritage of this place.

The programme will not only attempt to address issues around sectarianism, bigotry and intolerance, but also look at the origins of the languages as distinct and individual languages, understanding that even though they are distinct and unique in their own right, they contribute much to our immediate locality. It will also address the fear and mistrust of difference and attempt to create a greater understanding, acceptance and willingness to share and value linguistic and cultural diversity within all sections of our society, and to accept that languages or dialects in their own right cannot be offensive.

The tender response must address the following areas/issues:

• Lack of understanding amongst the wider population about both language traditions.
• The cultural gifts that both languages give us in terms of our cultural traditions, our landscape and our way of life.
• The huge significance that Scotland and the Western Isles play in this unique story of our language communities.
• Fear or lack of confidence in using both Irish and Ulster-Scots on a daily basis.

Targets
• Recruit minimum 160 participants.
• Creation of an advisory panel for both language communities
• Delivery of an educational programme which explores, shares and educates participants about both the Irish & Ulster Scots linguistic traditions across the Borough.
• Delivery of a North/ South & East/West study visit.
• Delivery of 2 Borough wide projects to support the learning of both the Ulster- Scots & Irish language.
• Delivery of 2 showcase events.
• Delivery of a vehicle to capture and promote local language.
• A minimum of 26 hours (total) of meaningful engagement must be provided per participant.
• Deliver all promotional activities in line with SEUPB guidelines.
• Provide monitoring and evaluation in line with SEUPB indicator guidance.
• Prepare monthly progress reports to Peace Plus Department.
• Prepare and deliver a presentation on programme progress against targets.

Outputs
• Increase in confidence amongst native or indigenous speakers in using their language each day.
• Increase confidence amongst native or indigenous speakers in promoting and educating others about both linguistic traditions.
• Increased usage of both Ulster-Scots and Irish traditional languages.
• Understanding Languages in the context of conflict, looking to other case studies such as Belgium and Northern Italy, Balkan States, Ukraine/Russia.
• Increase of knowledge in the importance of growing and preserving native or indigenous languages.

Programme Activities

• Stage 1: Recruitment of 160 participants
• Stage 2: Delivery of an educational programme which explores, shares and educates participants about both the Irish & Ulster Scots linguistic traditions across the Borough within their own settings.
• Stage 3: Delivery of a North/ South and East/West visit to explore both the roots of both linguistic traditions, but to also build relationships with those from both Ireland & Scotland who speak and protect their linguistic traditions.
• Stage 4: Delivery of 2 distinct Borough wide projects to support the learning and growth of both the Ulster Scots & Irish Language traditions.
• Stage 5: Delivery of 2 large public events which celebrates both Irish & Ulster Scots Language- Open to the public and participants.
• Stage 6: Production of separate vehicles which promotes, educates, and supports the promotion of Irish & Ulster Scots throughout the Borough.

BUDGET:
149270 EUROS

Timeline:
18 months

This list of activities is not 100% exhaustive. As part of the Tender Quality Assessment, bidders are asked to deliver a profile that reflects these areas as well as allowing for their own knowledge, innovation, and experience.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council would welcome a partnership or collaborative approach from several organisations / individuals that between them have the necessary expertise and experience. Individual submissions are also welcomed.

1.3 Project Budget

The project has a maximum budget of 149270 EURO (excl. VAT)

All tender submissions should be submitted exclusive of VAT, to design and deliver the above activities and achieve the anticipated results by January 2028.
Please carefully note that up to 20% of project funds will be released on award of contract and thereafter on a staged basis, your tender should align costs to the delivery of stages or outputs.

2.4 Project Timescale
It is anticipated that the successful bidder will be contracted to begin project delivery within 6 weeks of contract award.
All project activity must be completed by January 2028.
All project related financial invoicing must be submitted within 1 month of the completion of the final report.

2.5 Project Management

The successful applicant will be required to develop a sustainable delivery mechanism and be responsible for the overall management of the project activities. Throughout process work agree on areas and consultation methods.
The successful applicant will be required to work with the Council Officer charged with the management of PEACEPLUS and will meet with them at the following stages:
• On appointment, to agree a forward work plan, the proposed schedule for implementation and the reporting requirements.
• A formal meeting on a regular basis to review progress against agreed timeframes and milestones, to identify emerging issues and risks and plan for mitigation strategies, and to agree targets for the next quarter or stage.
• It should be noted that the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council maintains the copyright of the project and the materials produced.