Challenge to local schoolchildren

What do the words “Language and communication” mean to you?

The Howden-based interpreting and translation company EITI is challenging local schoolchildren to come up with an answer.

Pupils in the East Riding of Yorkshire are being asked to design a poster - based on the theme of “Language and communication” - that EITI can use as part of a national advertising campaign. Winning pupils from three age groups - under 9, 9-13 and 14 plus - will receive book tokens worth £50, with the overall winning school receiving a brand new computer worth £500.

Schools are being sent details of the competition this week, along with a set of general teachers’ notes about languages for use in the classroom. EITI’s teachers’ notes cover everything from “How many languages are there in the world?” to “How do you say ‘Hello’ in other languages?”

Click here to download EITI’s teachers’ notes

EITI, which is based on Bridgegate in Howden, provides interpreting and translation services to a wide range of public authorities and businesses. The company’s customers range from ‘local’ organisations, such as East Riding of Yorkshire District Council and Bradford Royal Infirmary, to national bodies such as learndirect and CancerBACUP.

Carolyn Burgess, EITI’s Chief Executive, said, “We hope that teachers and pupils find this a fun and thought-provoking challenge. We know that children are fascinated by languages - we ran an event at a primary school last year to mark the European Day of Languages and we were amazed at how much enthusiasm there was for the subject.”

The competition will not be judged primarily on technical merit. Instead, EITI is looking for creative designs that best capture the spirit of the theme. “We’re after something different and imaginative,” says Carolyn, “and they do say that children have the best imaginations.”

The closing date for entries is Friday 22nd October 2004. Full details of the competition can be obtained from EITI on freephone 0800 731 7878.