Hundreds of primary school children from across the Isle of Man have taken part in a vibrant inter-school postcard project designed to celebrate and strengthen the use of the Manx language.

Organised by the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Education, Sport, and Culture’s (DESC) Manx Language Team, Yn Skimmee Gaelgagh, the initiative coincided with the annual Cooish festival - a lively, community-focused celebration of Manx Gaelic held every year in November.

The project aimed to inspire pupils to write and read in Manx while fostering connections between schools.

To help spark creativity, Culture Vannin supplied every participating primary school with specially designed postcards illustrated by local artist Vicky Webb of Crumpets and Crabsticks.

Each of this year’s colourful designs featured a different Manx Gaelic word, providing a fun starting point for the children’s messages.

Pupils were asked to write a short note in Manx to a child in another school, who would then read the message aloud upon receiving it.

Teachers reported that the activity captured the imagination of pupils across the island, with many children eager to express themselves in the language and excited to hear from their peers.

The act of writing to another school encouraged learners to use Manx in a meaningful, real-world context, helping to build confidence while strengthening literacy skills.

The project also benefited from the support of the Isle of Man Post Office, which donated a supply of Archibald Knox stamps in order to send the postcards.

The DESC’s Manx Language Team praised the enthusiasm shown by students and staff alike, noting that initiatives such as this play a key role in keeping the island’s native tongue thriving in classrooms and communities.