St Joseph’s Secondary School, Charlestown, has been part of a groundbreaking educational programme, bringing teenagers and retirees together in the classroom, which celebrated 10 years of success. Originating from NUI Galway’s Adult and Continuing Education Office, ‘Living Scenes’ is an intergenerational programme of learning involving transition year students and local retired adults. It is the first pioneering programme of its kind in Ireland and Europe, possibly even worldwide.
Through weekly art, music, drama, and creative writing workshops, Living Scenes allows teenagers and older adults to learn together, share experiences, and build bonds of mutual respect and understanding. A strong emphasis is placed on the holistic development of the participants, promoting equality, personal development, and confidence building in both the younger and older adults.
The innovative programme was first piloted in Galway city’s Presentation Secondary School in 1999, and quickly became established as part of its transition year. Living Scenes has since developed and expanded through partnerships between NUI Galway and secondary schools from Galway, Cork, Clare, and Mayo.
A major entertainment production was staged in The Ardilaun hotel, Galway, last night involving all of the current participants in Living Scenes, representing the six schools.
In the course of its 10-year history, the programme has been instrumental in cultivating a strong relationship between the university and schools, older and younger adults, and has a key objective of promoting the school as a focal point for community regeneration.
