ABLE

Description

The three young people brainstormed what was needed in their community. They then decided that they wanted to make the resource centre more vibrant for the people that use it, particularly the elderly people who regularly come in. They chose the resource centre because this is where they attend for ABLE weekly. The girls mentioned that it needed more colour for everyone that use it and the best way to add colour was through planting flowers. The girls personalised the planter pots that were originally green in colour. They picked out what colour paint they wanted to use and got to work! The girls spent 2 days painting and perfecting the flower pots, with their own handprints on it, a summer scene and ABLE written on it before planting their flowers. They picked pink, yellow and white and purple flowers to plant to make it as vibrant as possible. The girls spent another day raking the soil and prepping the grounds for the flowers. Since the flowers have been planted, the girls have gained a sense of responsibility and are now always checking on the flowers to ensure they have water. The girls then created a poster and took photos throughout this process. This project has helped them gain a sense of responsibility, empathy and now want to give back to others. These were things they never thought about before. It has changed their views on their community and now have a sense of pride when coming into the resource centre.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the initiative was to give something positive back to their community. To let the girls be and see a positive change in their community. We wanted the girls to understand that they can make a change for many people. The girls wanted to bring a smile to the people who use the resource centre’s faces. They wanted to make the resource centre a happier place to see and give it a more approachable look. The aim was not only to help members of Ballyfermot, but also for the girls to complete a project and boost their self esteem and confidence in themselves.

Who is it aimed at

The initiative was aimed at all citizens of Ballyfermot, particularly the elderly and the dementia choir who come in weekly to sing. This resource centre is in the heart of Ballyfermot where most of the community go for various types of classes, counselling or even just to meet a friend in the cafe. Therefore, it seemed to be the best place to do a project on, in order to give back to the community of Ballyfermot as a whole.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Step one for the girls was receiving some guidance from locals of Ballyfermot and the staff of the resource centre in order to identify a need that was present in the area
2. Step 2 was getting the supplies in order to carry out this project. The resource centre also had to give us a space to plant our flowers and paint the plant pot. The resource centre kindly gave us a visible space in the front car park where everyone can see the girl’s work.
3. Step 3 was the girl’s fantastic ideas and their self determination to finish this project. This project was not done overnight, it took weeks for the girls to finish it. However with their determination and skills they were able to successfully finish it

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. It was a challenge at the beginning to find a free space to plant our flowers
2. The weather was a challenge at times when it was not on our side and would start raining while the girls were painting
3. The girls at times found it challenging to finish the painting as it did take a long time to get completed. Sometimes they lost motivation. But with a little break and a snack, their motivation kicked back in again

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. The resource centre now have a bright and colourful plant pot in the heart of the car park. Where everyone will see it when coming into the centre.
2. The planter pot is beside the new and improved picnic benches at the resource centre, creating an enjoyable space for members of the community to gather
3. It gives both the young people and the caretaker a sense of joy as they are responsible for taking care of the flowers.