Wicklow Town Team Inspires Future Changemakers with Transition Year “Love Where You Live” Project

250 to 300 Transition Year students from secondary schools across Wicklow Town recently took part in a series of dynamic and interactive “Love Where You Live” workshops led by members of the Wicklow Town Team.

Held over several weeks in January, the workshops encouraged students to reflect on what makes their town special while exploring how they can play an active role in shaping its future. Students learned about the work of the Wicklow Town Team since its establishment in 2017 and how a dedicated group of local volunteers has successfully secured over €1.5 million in government funding to deliver a range of exciting community projects.

Students were particularly fascinated to discover the stories behind some of Wicklow’s most popular recent initiatives, including Wicklow Wander Walls, the Murrough Pump Track and the Wicklow Heritage Trail, and how these projects evolved from ideas into real community assets.

The workshops sparked lively discussions and creative thinking, with students sharing thoughtful ideas for future Town Team initiatives. The programme highlighted the power of connecting young people with their local community while exploring themes of place, pride and what makes Wicklow Town truly unique.

As part of the initiative, all participating students were invited to take part in an inter-schools “Love Where You Live” TikTok competition, celebrating Wicklow through the eyes of its young people.

The inaugural competition was won by a team from Coláiste Chill Mhantáin. Judges praised the creativity and energy of students Tia Keighery, Aiden Anderson, Harita Rynhart, Max Coffey and Eoin Barnaville Killick, whose winning video perfectly captured the spirit of the “Love Where You Live” message.

View winning TikTok Here: https://youtu.be/98EZZRtiYyA?si=V9NiaVlhBMPHiTJT

The winning team was presented with a Galway Crystal trophy along with individual Wicklow Town Shop Local vouchers. Sponsored by Wicklow-based digital marketing company McKenna Creative, the prize also includes a unique opportunity for the students to work with industry professionals to create a video showcasing what makes their school, Coláiste Chill Mhantáin, so special.

Myra Porter, Chairperson of Wicklow Town Team stated that this was the first year of the Transition Year workshops, with plans to make it an annual event. It is hoped that this initiative will inspire even more young people to get involved in their community and continue building a town everyone can be proud to call home.