Client: Waterford LEADER Partnership CLG
Introduction/Overview Section
Exodea Europe Consulting Limited was engaged by Waterford LEADER Partnership CLG to provide training and capacity-building support to the community development groups in Ardmore and Kilmacthomas. The primary objective was to foster community leadership by bringing stakeholders together to create and implement cohesive, individual plans for their respective settlements. This was achieved through a tailored programme of six training sessions.
Ardmore, a village steeped in history with its 5th-century Christian heritage and landmarks like St. Declan’s Monastery, sought to enhance its appeal year-round through community collaboration. This led to the formation of Ardmore 365 as part of the Town Centre First initiative. Kilmacthomas, located on the Waterford Greenway, has a rich industrial heritage. The Kilmacthomas Social Enterprise Group was established to focus on the town’s social, economic, and environmental regeneration, with a current emphasis on building capacity for future projects.
Project Details Section
The training process utilized a mixed-methods approach to ensure broad community representation and engagement. The programme was designed to assist each community in producing a practical, action-focused plan that could be easily implemented. Key elements of the training included:
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Tailored Training Sessions: Six bespoke training sessions were developed to meet the specific needs and capacity of each community group.
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Mixed Methods Approach: This approach facilitated comprehensive engagement with the community, ensuring diverse voices were heard and represented.
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Action-Oriented Planning: The training was structured to guide participants in developing practical plans that were realistic and achievable for each village.
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Fostering Community Leadership: The process was a direct effort to build leadership skills and empower stakeholders to take ownership of their community’s development.
Outcomes/Results Section
Development of Practical Community Plans The training successfully equipped both the Ardmore and Kilmacthomas community groups with the skills and knowledge to create their own relevant, action-focused plans. These plans serve as a roadmap for their respective futures, detailing actionable steps to achieve their shared vision for regeneration and development.
Enhanced Community Capacity By bringing diverse stakeholders together and providing them with a structured training programme, the initiative enhanced the overall capacity of the community groups. They are now better equipped to manage future projects, secure funding, and drive forward their respective regeneration goals.
Strengthened Stakeholder Collaboration The training sessions provided a platform for community members, local authorities, and other stakeholders to collaborate effectively. This collaboration is crucial for the successful implementation of the plans and for sustaining long-term community development efforts in both Ardmore and Kilmacthomas.