Programme: Wicklow
WHO Theme: Respect and Social Inclusion, Social Participation
Funding Stream: Young Social Innovators funding
Resources Required: Community Support, Financial, Services, Volunteer Staff
Cost: 1000 – 5000
Status: In Progress
Description
With many of the students facing the issues of Grandparents and loved ones living alone or in nursing homes this is a project that we all feel so passionate about. We feel that so many voices of the older generation get lost and we want to bring their stories and histories to the forefront of our town.
We want to get stories of growing up in Wicklow Town in a world without technology and stresses of modern day life. We want to hear tales of growing up in Wicklow and all the adventures that went with it. We want to be taken back in time to be able to both see through photographs and hear these stories on QR codes placed around the Town in public spots. When you scan the QR you will be able to hear and see the history of the area told by someone who grew up there. It will bring to life what the area was like and also what life was like back in that time.
We did a presentation to Wicklow Active Retirement, where we told the attendees about our project and what we had hoped to do. There was such enthusiasm and after we had so many people come up to us to say they would like to be involved. Two examples are of gentlemen from the town
One was a woodwork teacher who carved the most beautiful piece of what the old forge which is now a pub looked like back then. We want to put this outside the Old Forge with him telling the story. This man came to our Craft Fair in our centre with the carving.
The other was a man who was in the army reserves and was part of organising the cannons that are along the waterfront to be displayed. We walked by these all the time and yet never knew the story behind them. We want him to talk us through this done by a QR code scanner.
We have raised money for our project by holding a Craft Fair and also applying to the YSI Den where we had to pitch our idea to a panel of judges to look for funding and mentorship so we could complete this. We were very successful and they were so impressed with our work.
We would loved to be considered for your Awards and thank you very much for reading this.
Aim of Initiative
The aim is to preserve history and untold tales of growing up in Wicklow Town in a world without technology and full of imagination. We want to capture moments from back in time and hear the voices of those who have lived long and fulfilled lives in Wicklow Town. We want to put stories and pictures onto QR codes and have them displayed in popular places throughout the town where you can scan the code and hear voices from the people themselves along with pictures and/or videos. We think this project could really be developed and sustained.
Who is it aimed at
It is aimed at all, from people of the older generation who have stories to tell, to their families who get to hold on to these memories like a keepsake. Also people from the community who would love to hear what was on these soils 50+ years ago and people visiting the town. It’s aimed for all to enjoy.
3 Steps critical to success
- Create the idea and develop and outline our plan. Get a team together and delegate tasks. The team is approx 10 teenagers attending Wicklow Youthreach age 15-20 years
- Host a coffee and bingo morning in our centre. Get the word out to friends, family and the local community. This was a great success. We got to talk to guest about stories and got great feedback. Make a prestation to Wicklow Active Retirement in the De La Salle Convent.
Apply for funding though YSI Den
Raise further funds by holding a Craft Fair – Create and make our own crafts - Start the interviews and source the QR code readers
Apply to the council for permission
Build planters for around our building to put QR codes on
Engage with local business about supporting our project and placing QR codes
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Challenges setting up team and delegating tasks
Initial challenges agreeing idea and aims - Funding was a challenge
Creating links and getting community support - Getting in touch with Wicklow CoCo
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- Team was successfully established
- We received €1200 from the Den
We raised €1000 from our Craft Fair
We have made great connections and have stories ready to go - County council meeting in progress. Some communication and a lot of interest in our project.
Working really well with Wicklow Active Retirement.
Hoping to spend July 2025 completing our project