Mayo teens create sign language app to revolutionise education
THREE innovative teenage girls from Mount Saint Michael Secondary School in Claremorris have created an app designed to help parents, teachers and young children learn Irish Sign Language (ISL).
The app created by Alicia Ward, Aoibhinn Jennings and Mary Josephine Ward addresses a critical gap in specialised education settings and training for teaching children who use ISL.
The project earned them the prestigious title of runners-up in the Junior Technology category at SciFest@Teen-Turn.
The trio, participants in Teen-Turn’s afterschool Project Squad programme in Mount Saint Michael, embarked on this journey under the mentorship of their teacher, Stephanie Hogan. Their app, developed as part of their Teen-Turn experience, aims to empower families and educators to better communicate with and support children who rely on ISL for learning and interaction.
The project was born out of the girls’ realisation of the lack of resources and training for ISL in educational settings.
“We wanted to make a difference for children who use ISL by creating something practical and accessible,” said one of the team members. “It’s about bridging the gap and making learning inclusive for everyone.”
The app combines interactive learning tools with easy-to-understand tutorials, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and those seeking to improve their ISL proficiency. It has the potential to create meaningful connections and foster greater understanding within families and classrooms.
Teen-Turn’s Project Squad gave the students the opportunity to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) through hands-on projects and mentorship.
Speaking about their experience, Mary Josephine said: “Teen-Turn gave us the confidence to believe in our ideas and showed us that we could create something impactful.”
Alicia added: “It was incredible to have access to mentors and resources that helped us turn our vision into a real, working app. I couldn’t believe that I could actually make an app, it was my first time ever coding and I absolutely loved it.”
Aoibhinn, the final team member, describes her experience with Teen-Turn: “Being part of a STEM initiative like this has opened our eyes to so many possibilities for the future.”
Stephanie Hogan, the lead mentor and teacher, expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments: “These girls have demonstrated creativity, resilience, and determination throughout this project. Their work highlights the importance of encouraging young people, particularly girls, to pursue STEM fields.”
Their recognition at SciFest@Teen-Turn is a testament to the hard work and dedication they put into the project. The team hopes their app will inspire others to prioritise inclusivity in education and spark interest in ISL among wider audiences.
“We’re just getting started,” said one of the team members. “This experience has motivated us to keep innovating and making a difference.”
Teen-Turn’s mission to empower young women through STEM education continues to shine through projects like this, proving that with the right support and opportunities, young minds can achieve extraordinary things.