Scéal an Oiditheora
Sinéad, Ballybane Resource Centre, Galway
Where It All Began
At Ballybane Resource Centre, education focuses on access, inclusion, and opportunity. The centre operates in a DEIS school area and supports migrant and Traveller youth. Staff are committed to ensuring that all young people feel supported and are provided with opportunities to develop skills and confidence.
Kinia has played a key role in supporting this work. The partnership began with podcasting training, during which six community members developed digital skills and learned how to share their perspectives through media.
“Kinia has been a lifeline for us here at the Ballybane Resource Centre.”
Ripples Across the Community
The podcasting programme didn’t just build skills, it opened doors. It led to further initiatives including projects connected to Cruinniú na nÓg, collaboration with the local library, and increased engagement between young people and the wider community. One programme became many.
Building Confidence in the Classroom and Beyond
Following this, robotics training was delivered prior to Christmas, giving educators new practical skills and the confidence to deliver STEM learning independently. A six-week course covering robotics, Makey Makey, and creative STEM activities followed, supporting both skills development and confidence building among participating young people.
The impact has been tangible: professional development credentials for educators, certificates for participating youth, and ongoing programme support aligned with community needs.
“I can’t thank Kinia enough, they are fantastic. I’d highly recommend them to anybody.”
The Kinia Effect
Meeting Communities Where They Are Kinia’s flexible approach served migrant young people, Traveller families, and DEIS communities with equal care to ensure young people of all backgrounds have access to learning opportunities.
Confidence for Educators, Not Just Learners Staff came away from the Kinia course with new practical skills and the assurance to deliver STEM independently, multiplying Kinia’s impact long after the programme ended.
One Programme, Many Doors Podcasting led to Cruinniú na nÓg, library partnerships, and community engagement. Kinia acted as a springboard for opportunities that extended well beyond the original brief.
Recognition That Means Something Credentials for both educators and young people gave the work formal recognition and gave participants something real to be proud of.
