Project Summary 2010
During 2010 the Learning Hub completed 67 projects with 8 schools and over 1100 learners utilising over 8800 volunteer support hours for projects.
Digihub
Our multimedia space was used by over 400 learners during 2010 on a regular basis. Over 20 different ICT projects aimed at primary, secondary and third level ran with the support of our learning buddies and project team.
From looking at the design of hydraulic breaking systems online with automotive engineering students in LIT to producing beautifully crafted digital photographic pieces of art with support from art students, the range and breadth of projects has been inspiring. From interacting in second life to learning to turning on a PC, all level of learner can be catered for in the Digihub. This ability to provide a variety of levels and project areas within ICT is crucial to keeping technology relevant for the young people we work with.
The learning hub is also committed to bringing the newest and most accessible forms of software to our community of learners. During 2010 we also installed Ubuntu and many open source applications on all our machines to show young people and adult learners what they can access at home at no cost.
A number of film projects took place with second level students and 2 entries were completed for Fresh Film during 2010. Other communities of learners were also welcome to access the Digihub with a number of community and voluntary groups also accessing this space during 2010.
Music Hub
During 2010 we began introducing more and more music projects into the Hub in anticipation of the completion of the new Music hub Building. We were lucky enough to have access to wonderful Learning Buddies from UL’s MA in Community Music to complete workshops in drumming and vocals with both primary and secondary level students.
In partnership with Mary Immaculate College, the Learning Hub also co-ordinated the development of a number of music workshops. These workshops utilised the expertise of final year B Ed students as project facilitators. The students worked with over 200 children over a 4 week period to explore both Music & Drama with whole classes and teachers.
The Learning Hub also worked with Transition year students to bring live music into their classrooms. Again thanks to the great enthusiasm and expertise of our MA in Community Music students from the University of Limerick over 40 young people took part in vocal and percussion workshops during the spring and summer term.
In late 2010 we also held our first registration night to offer local young people the opportunity to access introduction to music classes in partnership with the School of Music. This exciting partnership was supported by the CLVEC and over 60 young people and their parents queued to get the opportunity to sign up for classes on a cold November night. Classes are now in full swing with some very talented musicians, singers and songwriters emerging from this beginners group. Thanks to our volunteers we are also able to offer some individual tuition in guitar and piano. We hope to expand this provision into instrumental provision during 2011.
Finally, in late in 2010, we developed a partnership of education and music providers to begin an exciting project in Moyross involving local pre schools, parents and Corpus Christi Primary school. The aim of the project is to connect parents and their pre school age children with the local primary school before the transition from pre-school to big school takes place.
Health Hub
The kickboxing studio has become one of the busiest spaces here at the Hub. On a weekly basis over 100 people of all ages use this facility to enjoy classes in break dancing, general dance, fitness, kickboxing, boxing and yoga. We are especially proud of our kickboxing club which ran its first tournament with the help of Limerick Institute of Technology during 2010 and invited over 40 visitors to compete from all over Ireland.
The Hub also ran the “Transition Soccer” tournament of the second year where primary school age boys and girls are play for their school against first years in local schools they may be attending the following year. This is to break down barriers between the young people involved and also to get them used to attending the local secondary school in a relaxed and non formal way.
During 2010 the Learning Hub also ran a project called Limerick Superstars with a number of primary school students to encourage them to sample many sports using the Olympics as a model.
An adult running group also met here regularly and 2 of our staff successfully ran the Great Limerick Run marathon in support of the Hub. They did us, and all the young people who came out to support them, very proud indeed!
Art Hub
Art, photography and community arts involved over 100 young people and adults on a weekly basis in art programmes here at the Hub. Our entry into the St Patrick’s Day parade won first prize for a second year in a row which is a credit to the hard work and dedication of all those involved. Workshops run from November to March on a weekly basis four times a week. Without the support of over 20 volunteers from third level this would not be possible. In total 64 young people and 18 adults took part in the Parade with many others having contributed time throughout the year.
Art and craft workshops also run on a “demand” basis for both young people and adults. Young people and adults alike are fascinated with digital and film photography and our in house team were able to provide expert training in this area to groups throughout the year.
Many of our arts programmes also linked seamlessly with the Dighub with many students interested in exploring the potential of multimedia to express their artistic goals.
Story Hub
Over 165 young people visited the Story Hub with their teachers during 2010. This project relies entirely on volunteer facilitators who guide group of young people through the process of creating an original work over a 2-3 hour period with live illustration and multimedia tools engaged throughout the experience.
Our learning buddies have been instrumental in the success of this project with many of them becoming expert facilitators, illustrators and multimedia designers in support of this project.
Science Hub
Thanks to a very dedicated team of learning buddies and subject matter experts from UL and LIT our first science workshops began in 2010 aimed at connecting primary level students with Science. Many children from disadvantaged communities fail to take up science at second level. The developing Science Hub aims to support local primary schools to bring science, maths, engineering and technology to life in a very interactive and innovative way, again using the enthusiasm, energy and expertise of students studying to become second level Science teachers here in Limerick.