Pobal

These words were spoken by a child when introducing his older brother to classmates and explaining his visual impairment. Children often demonstrate a remarkable capacity for empathy and understanding. It is a simple but powerful example of how inclusion works in practice. Early Years Services across Ireland are helping to build more inclusive communities for the future. Stories like this remind us that inclusion is about creating environments where every child is valued, respected and supported to participate fully.

Sometimes it’s the smallest details that tell the biggest stories. Our Early Years team often notice children arriving to early years services wearing a simple red and white St Philomena cord bracelet. For many Traveller families, it is a cherished expression of faith, love and protection, often tied by a parent, grandparent or guardian with a prayer and worn during important moments in a child’s life. Taking the time to understand these traditions helps create early learning environments where every child feels seen, respected and that they belong. Social inclusion starts with curiosity, kindness and recognising the richness that different cultures and traditions bring to our communities.

🎨 CSP Spotlight: Wexford Arts Centre Established in 1974, Wexford Arts Centre is Ireland’s oldest regional arts centre and has been a focal point for arts and culture in the county for over 50 years. Based in the historic Cornmarket building in Wexford town, the Centre provides a welcoming space where people can experience, engage with and participate in the arts. The Centre delivers a year-round programme of contemporary art exhibitions, public talks, workshops for children and adults, and a diverse range of events including theatre, music, comedy and dance. It also supports community participation by providing space for local groups and activities. Through support from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht's Community Services Programme (CSP), Wexford Arts Centre is able to strengthen its capacity to deliver these services for the local community, supporting roles that contribute to the ongoing operation and development of the Centre. Wexford Arts Centre is a great example of how community organisations help make arts and culture accessible, create opportunities for participation and enrich the lives of people in their communities. 📍 Wexford Arts Centre, Co. Wexford 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e24pZY4e #CSPSpotlight #CommunityServicesProgramme #CommunityImpact #Wexford #ArtsAndCulture

📣 Calling all Early Years Services! Have you signed up for the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) ahead of the new programme year starting on 17 August? ✅ Already, over 2,073 Early Years Services have registered. 👨👩👧👦 Making Early Learning and care more affordable and accessible for families across Ireland. Visit the Early Years Hive for details.

Confirmed: €46,404 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: Rostrevor Community Book Corner – The RosRath Project Purpose: A cross community literary partnership connecting participants from #Rostrevor and #Rathfriland through creative writing, storytelling and shared cultural experiences. Through workshops, festivals, study visits and cultural exchanges, the project creates opportunities for dialogue, explores identity and builds lasting relationships. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eHvDHv-M

Confirmed: €46,404 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: Rostrevor Community Book Corner – The RosRath Project Purpose: A cross community literary partnership connecting participants from #Rostrevor and #Rathfriland through creative writing, storytelling and shared cultural experiences. Through workshops, festivals, study visits and cultural exchanges, the project creates opportunities for dialogue, explores identity and builds lasting relationships. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eHvDHv-M

🌊 CSP Spotlight: Fanad Lighthouse Standing proudly on the rugged Fanad Peninsula in Donegal, Fanad Lighthouse is much more than an iconic coastal landmark; it is a community-led social enterprise creating opportunities, celebrating local heritage and welcoming visitors from near and far. 🔱 Through guided tours, visitor experiences and accommodation in the original lighthouse keepers’ cottages, Fanad Lighthouse brings the area’s rich maritime history to life while supporting local employment and sustainable development. 🎨 Visitors can explore the story of the lighthouse, discover the natural beauty of the surrounding coastline, enjoy locally sourced food and browse work from local artists and makers. The organisation also places strong emphasis on sustainability, protecting the unique environment and supporting the wider Fanad community. As a Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Community Services Programme-funded organisation, Fanad Lighthouse is a great example of how community organisations can preserve local assets, create opportunities and deliver lasting social, cultural and economic benefits for their communities. 📍 Fanad Lighthouse, Co. Donegal 🌐 Discover more: www. fanadlighthouse.com #CSPSpotlight #CommunityServicesProgramme #CommunityImpact #Donegal #SocialEnterprise