Ukrainian Summer camp for 60+ (Pilot project)

Description

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) through the SICAP – Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme have been supporting Ukrainians since their arrival in Co. Clare in early 2022. A wide variety of community development activities have been provided and CLDC is keen to ensure that older members of the Ukrainian community are also being supported and feel included in community development activities. SICAP Intercultural Worker Alina Senkova identified interest from the community and responded by organising an over 60-year-olds summer camp.

This project aimed to support Ukrainian women aged 60 and older by providing a fun learning environment. One group meet in Ennis and another in Bunratty. Over four weeks, participants met twice weekly. On the first day, they attended English classes with a Ukrainian speaking tutor. The second day featured activities such as learning to cook Irish cuisine with the help of an Irish volunteer, chair yoga, Irish dancing, and visits to local attractions like the Clare Museum or Bunratty Castle. These sessions fostered social connections and enriched their cultural experiences, providing both education and enjoyment.

Aim of Initiative

This project was designed to support Ukrainian women aged 60 and older in Ennis and Bunratty by providing accessible social opportunities for older people who have experienced trauma but that are ready to go out, communicate and meet new people. The initiative aimed to foster social connections, cultural integration, and personal development through a series of structured activities and classes. Over the span of four weeks, participants met twice weekly. The program was structured to balance educational and recreational activities, promoting both language acquisition and cultural exchange. Each week consisted of one day dedicated to English language classes and another day devoted to engaging activities such as cooking, exercise, and local cultural exploration.

Who is it aimed at

Ukrainian people who are living in Co Clare aged over 60

3 Steps critical to success

1. The positive interaction between the Ukrainian women and the tutors and English-speaking volunteers.
2. The willingness of the Ukrainian women to learn and take part in the activities.
3. The fantastic volunteers and paid tutors that took part in the project.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. The participants need to be ready and willing to come out and be social after experiencing trauma and stress.
2. Lot of community development work went into building trust and familiarity with CLDC, so people felt comfortable and ready for a project like this.
3. A challenge for the future is if participants are moved due to accommodation closures and the disruption that will cause the group and the individual participants.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. The combination of educational and recreational activities helped to reduce feelings of isolation and increased their sense of well-being. Deeper appreciation and understanding of Irish culture and tradition.
2. Improvement in their English levels.
3. CLDC is hoping to role out the project in other locations in Clare