Portlaoise College has been highly regarded for its innovation and commitment to providing a holistic education for its students within the locality and beyond.
Both the school, students and respective members of staff have regularly collaborated on various projects alongside the wider community of Portlaoise to celebrate all they have to offer.
A notable example of this innovation which has recently received recognition from one of Ireland’s leading universities was the Community Care module.
Launched in 2019 as part of the school’s Transition Year Programme, this involved TY students and members of teaching staff collaborating with Ballard Lodge Nursing Home, providing a valuable, communal link between generations.
Before the words ‘Covid-19’ and ‘social distancing’ became part of our vernacular, students, along with the support of teaching staff would visit every week to participate in activities with the residents.
Some activities included board games, playing musical instruments, the painting of murals, and even the occasional competitive game of chess!
This initiative was largely documented on social media, and this year it has received recognition from Dublin City University for their collaboration with Ballard Lodge.
As part of DCU’s annual Intergenerational Solidarity Awards, students received the ‘silver award’ alongside a certificate for each participant to acknowledge their endeavours.
The overall purpose of these awards is to promote and recognise intergenerational work, which demonstrates solidarity between young and old in conjunction with co – operation between generations.
DCU, which is listed as an ‘age friendly’ university, recognised the efforts of the Community Care initiative, and deemed that it was ‘innovative’ and ‘transformational’.
And while Covid 19 prevails, the valuable link between Ballard Lodge and Portlaoise College still remains.
The resilient students of Portlaoise College have gone above and beyond to maintain contact with residents during these difficult times.
Students’ involvement in the nursing home continues to have an impact in many ways, through the donation of Christmas gifts, postcards, as well as a bake – sale to raise funds for the donation of gifts.
Portlaoise College were honoured to have been part of the experiences shared between generations, and highlight anticipate collaborating with Ballard in the near future when restrictions allow!
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