Reflections on Community Awareness

A Community Awareness Programme was introduced into our school, Sacred Heart Secondary School , over thirty years ago. This programme was introduced to link the school with the community through our Religious

Education Programme in Transition Year. Through this programme it is hoped that we, the Transition Year students ,would live the message of the Gospel in an active and practical way, and that our awareness of those varied members of our community-of those “special people”- would be increased. We take inspiration from the following words from St. Johns Gospel:

“OUR LOVE IS NOT TO BE MERE WORDS OR MERE TALK BUT

SOMETHING REAL AND ACTIVE” (JOHN 3:18)

Below are extracts from students diaries and reflections on their experience of Community Awareness

“I looked forward to heading off from school every Thursday afternoon to see the residents from a local  nursing home. I think the reason I liked visiting the nursing home so much was because the residents were so excited to see us come in . We would barely have our coats off when  one of these beautiful people was calling us for a chat. 

They were so interested in what we shared with them, from telling them where we were  from to what our favourite subject in school was. They also told us plenty about themselves, such as telling us about their families, their school days and what songs they enjoyed listening to. I loved to listen to them talk about their past and their hobbies, as they reminded me of my own grandparents. “

Shona Hurley...Care Choice Nursing Home Nursing Home

My  first week  of Community Awareness  in the Day Care Centre in Mount Carmel hospital was really awkward because the elderly did not really talk to us much. I suppose I can't blame them at all. They were not used to us just like we were not used to them. As the weeks went by, things were less awkward and we would play bingo, cards and share musical experiences. I played the piano for them myself 

Each week just got better and better. The elderly were all really nice. I definitely think I learned a lot from them. They are always happy no matter what. This community awareness time has really brought youth and the older generation together. I really value this experience. “

Dasha Davydova  Day Care Center, Mount Carmel Community Hospital

“For my community awareness in 121 Digital, I was tutoring  a lady called Joan .I am very pleased with the progress she has made in  just a few weeks. I wasn’t embarrassed to ask her questions and I reminded myself that 121 Digital is a learning process for me as well. Overall, I think I dealt with the challenges relatively well.

Being paired up with someone I didn’t know was a new experience. I was required to guide the individual through the IT world and I am impressed with the progress Joan has made in these few weeks. Therefore, my social and communication skills have improved through this learning process. It was in terms of patience, confidence and great respect towards the person.”

Aisling O Reilly ,121 Digital,Sacred Heart Secondary School

”For my community placement, I went to the Day Care centre in Mount Carmel Community Hospital, Clonakilty. This is where elderly people go to socialise. They can do activities like bingo and cards. On my first day, I was seated next to a few women whom I chatted to. However, only a few people were willing to chat. There were musicians playing in the background which provided a good atmosphere and it was entertaining. I also played bingo with the patients. I enjoyed participating in this activity. My communication and listening skills improved from the engaging conversations I had with the patients. I also believe that visiting places like day care centres is beneficial to both the young and old”

Niamh O Donovan