At Teach Solais, we are proud to be part of the DIGITAL STORY project, an innovative Erasmus+ initiative that empowers young people from rural areas to explore, document, and share their local cultural heritage through the transformative power of digital storytelling. On January 15th, 2025, we held a youth meeting in Ireland as part of this project, bringing together young people aged 16-24 to discuss cultural heritage, digital media, and the role of storytelling in fostering employability and active citizenship.
The meeting was a vibrant and engaging event, filled with meaningful conversations, creative ideas, and a shared passion for preserving and celebrating Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Here’s a recap of the meeting and how it aligns with the broader goals of the DIGITAL STORY project.
What is DIGITAL STORY?
DIGITAL STORY is a collaborative project involving partners from Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, and Ireland. It aims to empower young people from rural areas by combining cultural heritage exploration, digital skills development, and storytelling. Through this project, young people will:
Explore their cultural heritage: By researching and documenting local traditions, stories, and histories, participants connect with their roots and strengthen their sense of identity.
Develop key skills: Digital storytelling enhances communication, creativity, teamwork, and digital literacy—skills that are essential for personal growth and employability.
Share their voices: Digital storytelling provides a platform for young people to express themselves, share their perspectives, and engage with their communities.
Highlights from the Youth Meeting
The youth meeting in Ireland brought together three passionate young participants: Brona, Erin and Jamie Finglas. These young individuals, representing various youth groups and communities, shared their thoughts on cultural heritage, digital media, and the potential of storytelling to empower youth.
1. Cultural Heritage Awareness
Participants discussed the importance of local cultural heritage, highlighting festivals, national celebrations, and informal gatherings as key aspects of Irish culture. They emphasised how these events foster a sense of community and pride, bringing people together through music, dance, and storytelling. The group also expressed a desire for more structured activities, such as workshops and exhibitions, to deepen their understanding of local traditions.
2. Digital Media Skills
The meeting explored how digital tools, such as video editing software and social media platforms, can be used to document and share cultural experiences. Participants shared their experiences with digital media, noting how it has helped them express creativity and build confidence. They also expressed interest in further training to refine their skills and explore career opportunities in creative industries.
3. Storytelling as a Tool for Empowerment
Storytelling was recognised as a vital part of Irish culture, with participants highlighting its role in preserving folklore, historical narratives, and intergenerational knowledge. They discussed how storytelling can build empathy, foster connections, and bridge cultural divides, particularly in international exchange programs.
4. Skills Development for Employability
The group identified communication, teamwork, and creativity as essential skills for employability and community contribution. They credited youth group activities, such as theatre workshops, with helping them develop these skills and build confidence in collaborative settings.
5. Intergenerational Dialogue
Participants shared their experiences of learning from older community members, noting how these interactions provided valuable insights into historical and cultural changes. They suggested creating more structured opportunities for intergenerational dialogue, such as storytelling events or mentorship programs.
6. Social Inclusion and Community Engagement
The meeting also addressed the need for greater youth inclusion in community decision-making processes. Participants highlighted the importance of targeted outreach programs to engage underrepresented groups, such as migrant teenagers, in community activities.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the meeting was a success, it also highlighted some challenges faced by young people in rural areas, such as limited access to education, training, and job opportunities due to geographic isolation. Participants suggested that projects like DIGITAL STORY could help bridge these gaps by creating localised opportunities for engagement and skill-building.
Why DIGITAL STORY Matters
The DIGITAL STORY project is more than just a learning experience—it’s a movement to empower young people, bridge generational gaps, and preserve the cultural richness of rural communities. By combining tradition with innovation, we aim to create a brighter future where every young person has the tools and confidence to thrive.
Join Us on This Journey
We are excited to continue our work with the DIGITAL STORY project, empowering young people to explore their cultural heritage, develop valuable skills, and share their voices with the world. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this inspiring initiative!
If you’re interested in learning more about the DIGITAL STORY project or getting involved, please reach out to us at Teach Solais. Together, we can celebrate cultural heritage, foster creativity, and unlock the potential of youth across Europe.
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