Inter-generational project should mean Clara history lives on

Taoiseach Brian Cowen officially launched the Inter-Generational Programme in Clara"s family resource centre last Friday. This was part of the Memoirs Project which was started up by the local active retirement group, aimed at creating an oral history of Clara. It involves senior citizens telling stories of bygone days in Clara to primary and transition year students from the local schools. He said he hoped it would inspire other communities. 'The inter-generational programme recognises what societies the world over have appreciated for millennia - the power of storytelling. Folk tales, myths and family histories have been passed down by word of mouth for as long as human society has existed,' said the Taoiseach. Mr Cowen said the project was an exciting way of bringing two generations together which has social and educational benefits. 'The study of local history is important to us all. It helps give us a sense of who we are and where we have come from. It helps to centre us. Invariably, it is a microcosm of the history of the nation and can even reflect world events. For that reason, it can cultivate a pride in our national history and heritage and an interest in the broader historic landscape,' he added. Mr Cowen paid tribute to the members of the active retirement group who made the project possible, Dr Perpetua McDonagh CEO of Offaly LEADER and the staff and pupils of Scoil Phroinsias, Scoil Bhríde and Ard Scoil Chiarain. Credit was also due to the co-ordinator and staff of Clara Community and Family Resource Centre, the Home School Community Liaison co-ordinators, Clara Credit Union, and the Staff of the Day Care Centre.