Different generations join Fatima project

SEVERAL generations of Dubliners are coming together to work on a sculpture project for the Fatima area, thanks to Age & Opportunity’s VoltAge Bursary.

The e5,000 bursary was awarded to the Fatima Older Peoples Art Group, a network of older people who want to make a difference to a wide age range of locals across their neighbourhood.

The project invited Fatima Créche and the Rialto Youth Project to work with it on making a new sculpture about the changes that have happened in the area over the last 15 years.

The art group is hoping to share skills with other generations around things like felting, sewing and embroidery in order to make a sculpture of a miniature knitted world.

The work is getting underway straight away with an unveiling to take place in the autumn.

Liz Kelly of Age & Opportunity is excited by what VoltAge is helping to make happen.

“Older people in Ireland invest a lot of time and energy in their local communities through environmental projects, charity work, drama clubs and choirs,

? she said.

“VoltAge is a way for Age & Opportunity to celebrate that work and to see what one group could achieve with an investment of

?¬5,000.

“The community in the Fatima area is very active and we were delighted to support a project that has the potential to communicate their activism and enthusiasm across different ages, as well as one that could help to break down the barriers that can sometimes form between neighbours of different generations.

?

Age & Opportunity, the national organisation that inspires everyone to reach their full potential as they age, devised the VoltAge bursary as part of their 25-year celebrations.

The project echoes their commitment to empowering older people to play a full and active part in their communities.

The creation of the Bealtaine arts festival and the Go for Life national sport programme, as well as its work in community development and personal development, has proved the positive impact that older people can have on all aspects of society.

For more information on Age & Opportunity, visit www. ageandopportunity.ie or find the organisation on Facebook or Twitter (@Age_Opp)