A public consultation on the introduction of a national day and official Jersey anthem has attracted interest from more than 1,000 Island students.
The Government is seeking views on whether Liberation Day and the song ‘Beautiful Jersey’ should be officially recognised as a national day and the Jersey anthem, and the consultation has been a focus of classwork led by the Jèrriais Teaching Service (JTS).
Around 1,200 pupils from nine schools have completed written surveys and two students from Jersey College Prep visited the Government of Jersey’s Union Street office to present their responses to Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development and chair of the Island Identity project.
The Minister for International Development and chair of the Island Identity project, Deputy Carolyn Labey, said: “Engaging with young Islanders on topics that matter to them is very important and I am extremely pleased that so many pupils have shown interest in our consultation.
“The Island Identity project is here to promote and strengthen Jersey’s cultural values, and the involvement of groups such as the Jèrriais Teaching Service is of great value to us.
“It is important that we consider the views of all Islanders, and I am delighted that the opinions of young people have been reflected. Their thoughts, and those of everybody who has contributed to the consultation, will help guide the decision on a national day and Jersey anthem.”
Ellia (10), Year 6 student at Jersey College Prep: “I have really enjoyed learning Jèrriais and I am really grateful that I have been involved with the Island Identity Project.”
Savannah (10), Year 6 student at Jersey College Prep: “I love being part of keeping Jèrriais alive. I’m really pleased and I feel lucky having a role in the Island Identity Project by promoting it at JCP.”
Susan Parker, from Jèrriais Teaching Service: “Some of my students asked me about the survey, which they had seen in their parish magazines but thought it didn’t apply to them. I was delighted that there is no minimum age for respondents to the survey, which enabled us to engage with young people aged 7-18 years from several schools to gather their opinions and ensure that Jèrriais is part of the Island Identity conversation.”
Pictured: Susan Parker, Deputy Labey, and JCP pupils Savannah (brown hair) and Ellia (blonde hair).
