Irish lighthouses inspire storytelling initiative

An initiative to encourage children to create inspirational stories about Ireland’s lighthouses is being supported locally by Galway Arts Centre.

Become a Young Storykeeper is running part of Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of free creative activities for children and people under the age of 18.

The Storykeeper Initiative invites young people, aged 7-12 to create an original story inspired by lighthouses.

It was developed by The Commissioners of Irish Lights, along with the not-for-profit group, Great Lighthouses of Ireland, and the creative writing organisation Fighting Words.

Fighting Words offers free programmes for children and young people at locations all over Ireland. In Galway, it operates out of the Arts Centre on the City’s Dominick Street.

Its aim is to help young people harness the power of their imagination and to develop creative writing.

The theme of lighthouses is particularly apt for the current times, says Executive Director of Fighting Words, Seán Love.

“For hundreds of years lighthouses have ensured the safety of seafarers by helping them find their way. Lighthouses are places of wonder that can provide safety and guidance on a journey through danger.

“Creating stories is another way that people help and guide each other. The symbolism of the lighthouse pushing us away to keep us safe is very apt right now as the nation contends with the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The CEO of Irish Lights, Yvonne Shields O’Connor stressed the importance of lighthouses to a nation such as Ireland.

“From the distant past to the present day, they play a vital role in ensuring safety at sea.

“Lighthouses along with buoys and electronic aids, are an important part of an interconnected system, keeping our coasts safe and providing safe passage for local and international maritime traffic. This is vital to our island, ensuring that supplies like food, fuel and medicine and so much more can reach us.”

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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