Symbol of Hope

Description

Experience the Magic of Irish & Ukrainian Traditions at “Symbol of Hope”.
This is a breathtaking exhibition celebrating the rich artistic heritage of Ukraine and Ireland! “Symbol of Hope” brings together two vibrant cultures through stunning displays of traditional craftsmanship and symbolic artistry.
– Marvel at the beauty of intricately designed pysanky (Ukrainian decorated eggs), renowned for their deep symbolism and breathtaking detail.
– Explore a fusion of art, featuring Ukrainian folk paintings, intricate embroidery, and Celtic-inspired motifs where history and creativity intertwine.
– Step into the past with our unique mannequin display, showcasing authentic Ukrainian national costumes and Ireland’s own iconic Molly Malone.
– Discover traditional home décor elements, including handcrafted pottery, woven accents, and embroidery that tell stories of resilience and heritage.
This is extraordinary opportunity to witness the beauty of two cultures coming together in an unforgettable display of history, art, and unity.
Let’s celebrate tradition, creativity, and the bonds that connect us all!
For months two groups of elderly people in both counties Dublin and Louth were preparing this exhibition which is currently in Donegal, but started its journey in Blanchardstown Library. Those months including visits to Irish National Museum to learn Irish culture, visits to castles, visits to the park, where two groups were meeting for picnic and using that time for making strategy and networking.
We started our Older&Wiser group in Blanchardstown in 2022, then another group join our project in county Louth in 2023, two more groups will be starting soon in Kilkenny and Donegal.
This is a great time for people for networking and reduce social isolation for seniors together with keeping them busy by involving in art and craft projects, regular trips and exhibitions, networking with other groups to communicate and interact.

Aim of Initiative

The aim is reducing social isolation for seniors and communication is a key! This initiative is a great example for other communities and our groups Older&Wiser are growing and expanding, even people can not attend for the meeting they still communicate in the private groups, following us on the social media, taking group calls, asking questions and even celebrate birthdays together.
This is incredible that we were started from one small group and now this is becoming a huge success project.

Who is it aimed at

For seniors all over Ireland, but not limited, we accept other age to the groups as well, we have no boundaries with age, religions, nationalities or gender.

3 Steps critical to success

1. We started from the one small group just to see, as a pilot project. To success we needed to involve focus group, communicate with local authorities and much important is with the place for meetings.
2. We did not and do not afraid work as volunteers, we are not getting paid and our initiatives are inclusively voluntary.
3. We researched the market, we got good examples from our friend’s families, we saw how elderly people stayed at home day long.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Get more people involved
2. Get simplified chance to apply for grants, as some grant so complicated for the group of volunteers who also working full time
3. The premises, from our experience we can see that only libraries are efree to use, and community centre are for fee, which we can not afford.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Reduce social isolation for seniors
2. Get involved in to communication with others
3. Making people physicaly active and giving them chance to be heard with their own ideas, which they having probably all their life