Posts in category: New Partnerships

We were thrilled to hear that Irish Girl Guides (IGG) has been chosen to receive the European Citizens’ Prize in recognition of our achievements in promoting awareness of the European Union (EU).

Since launching our Europe badge in partnership with European Movement Ireland (EMI) on Europe Day (9 May) 2019, 2,957 of our youth members have earned a Europe badge.

To earn the badge, girls and young women take part in age-appropriate activities that help them gain an understanding of the EU and how it affects the lives of Irish citizens.

The youngest members (Ladybirds aged 5-7) learn to recognise the EU flag, learn greeting customs from other EU countries and make rubbings of Euro coins. Brownies (aged 7-10) learn about other cultures and the role of MEPs while Guides (aged 10-14) learn about the formation of the EU and the advantages of being an EU member. They also celebrate international cultural festivals and invite politicians to talk to them about the EU.

The European Citizens’ Prize is given to organisations and individuals around Europe that contribute to European cooperation and the promotion of common values.

Jenny Gannon, IGG’s Programme and Training Commissioner, said, “We are thrilled to win a European Citizens’ Prize. We were delighted to get the opportunity to work with European Movement Ireland when putting the criteria and resources together for the Europe Badge, so a big thank you to them. The Europe Badge is a welcome addition as members of all ages get the opportunity to learn more about the European community they belong to, while encouraging them to be empowered and take action in the European movement.”

“We in IGG strive to develop programmes that are responsive to our girls’ needs and the needs of our society. We have developed mutually beneficial partnerships with a number of organisations in recent years, including EMI, and we are always on the lookout for partners to develop badges with that will add to the depth and breadth of our programme.”

Jillian van Turnhout, a volunteer with IGG and former Chief Commissioner as well as former Vice Chair of EMI, said, “I am ecstatic the work of Irish Girl Guides’ volunteer leaders and girls to earn the Europe Badge has been recognised through the awarding of the European Citizens’ Prize. From its launch, the leaders and girls have demonstrated their quest to learn more about the European Union, and they have clearly shown they wish to influence and shape the European project.”

Noelle O’Connell, CEO of EM Ireland and Vice President of European Movement International, said, ‘Almost 3,000 Irish Girl Guides’ members from age five-plus have gained Europe badges and learnt about our shared European home and Ireland’s EU journey. It is a great tribute and testimony to their hard work and accomplishments that it is being recognised by the European Parliament through the awarding of the European Citizens’ Prize. EM Ireland was delighted to partner with the Irish Girl Guides in helping so many girls and young women influence Ireland’s European project.”

Deirdre Finlay, member of the Irish national jury for the 2020 European Citizens’ Prize, said, “The 2020 entrants for the European Citizens’ Prize from Ireland were of a very high standard, representing the realities of EU citizens in current times. I am delighted to see the Irish Girl Guides Association and Family Carers Ireland announced as winners and wish them continued success in their work.”

“Fish or Foul?’ Wexford Creative Communities Project

Irish Girl Guides from the Seashell Guiding District led by Una Wafer in Cahore and Courtown, have come together to explore the impact of litter pollution on the local marine environment, through the lens of sustainability and creativity.

The project is coordinated by Calmast STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Engagement Centre, Waterford Institute of Technology. Brownies, Girl Guides and Senior Branch are joined by Órla Bates, a local visual artist and qualified teacher in art and design education who has over fifteen years of experience.

Over the five-week project, Guides will explore printmaking, drawing and mono-printing by using materials found on the local beaches. Items collected will be used to create a set of collagraph prints and the final works will be exhibited and sold as a fundraiser for Seal Rescue Ireland.

The project kicked off last month for a two-part educational day on Cahore beach with a talk from Explorers Outreach Officer, Dr Gillian Wheatly from the Explorers Education Programme, which is funded by the Marine Institute, followed by a guided tour by Donal McGrath of Cahore Inshore Rescue Service.

Kayleigh Foran, STEM Engagement Coordinator with Calmast remarked that the project aims to engage young people in the topic of marine pollution and its effect on their local area. “The Creative Communities project has given Girl Guides the unique opportunity to reflect and critique the world around them, innovatively and excitingly. The community support network, facilitated by the Hub and Cluster model has allowed them to explore their locality from a new perspective, increasing the girl’s confidence in STEM, sea stewardship and sense of responsibility.”

The project is part of a wider Hub and Cluster initiative founded by Calmast, to significantly increase STEM education and public engagement across the entire South East. Six regional clusters have been formed in Wexford, New Ross, Waterford, Kilkenny, Clonmel and Dungarvan.

The Hub and Cluster model, which is funded by Science Foundation Ireland, brings the main actors in the locality together, such as local government, libraries, industry, higher education, schools and other organisations collectively, in clusters to deliver STEM engagement through beneficial partnerships in their area.

Last weekend in conjunction with a mono-printing and drawing session, an educational talk and tour of the Seal Rescue Ireland Centre, Courtown was given by Educational Manager, Krysten Maier. During the session through hands-on activities, Guides learned about the rehabilitation process of seals and the effects humans often have on their natural environment.

Kayleigh added, “sustainability and positive climate action are hugely important topics as the region collectively tries to do their part in the fight against climate change.”

In addition to the Wexford Creative Communities project, Calmast has also founded several climate-focused initiatives, including a six-week sustained engagement programme for Transition Year students entitled, STEMReach Sustainability; Your Story Our Future and ACT Waterford, a yearlong project that brings five communities and five creatives together under five climate action themes.

The Wexford Creative Communities project is funded and supported by Wexford County Council in partnership with Creative Ireland as part of the Creative Communities Programme.

For more information on the project, please contact Kayleigh at Kayleigh.foran@wit.ie