Summary of Taith Application and Jamaica Wales Alliance project 'Building Bridges of Friendship'

NB this is an AI generated summary of the original project  application
- produced by Ileri Ogunbawo
– with slight modifications by Liz Millman, Project Leader: Learning Links International 

This project is to support Adult Learners exploring the shared history of Jamaica and Wales.

Objective:
The "Building Bridges of Friendship" project aims to deepen the civic, community and cultural ties between Bangor, North Wales, and Clarendon, Jamaica, by fostering mutual understanding of our shared history.

The project is enabling Adult Learners to explore this shared history, with its focus on the Pennant family story and Penrhyn Castle, with an opportunity to visit the plantations the family owned in Jamaica to research the story further. 

As well as a preparatory delegation visit and further exchange visits, participants will be undertaking in a blended learning course focused on the shared history of Jamaica and Wales.

Activities:

• A delegation visits to Jamaica by adult learners from Wales
• Exchange visits for participants from Jamaica to Wales
• All participants explore their role in the bigger project linking Bangor, Gwynedd, and May Pen, Clarendon, and undertake the ‘Exploring our Shared History’ programme of learning

Participants:

Adult learners, with some from underrepresented groups, are prioritized for these cultural exchanges, offering life-changing opportunities to explore and understand this difficult shared history.

Alignment with Taith Strategy:
The project supports Taith's goals of promoting international links, inclusivity, and diversity through meaningful exchange opportunities. It aligns with Learning Links International’s mission to use arts, education, and research to enhance understanding of shared histories and promote equality.

Partnerships:
Key partners include the Institute of Jamaica / Jamaica Memory Bank, Pennants Heritage Research Group, and various civic bodies in both Wales and Jamaica. These partnerships will ensure well-coordinated and impactful exchanges, contributing to a deeper understanding of shared histories and fostering ongoing friendships – ‘building bridges of friendship’.

Rationale for Destination Choice:
Jamaica is chosen due to its rich cultural heritage and historical ties with Wales, offering valuable learning opportunities. The project emphasizes value for money, environmental consciousness, and the profound impact on participants, aligning perfectly with the project's goals.

Project Management:
The Learning Links International team will manage day-to-day operations, financials, and participant support, ensuring smooth delivery of all exchange activities. This planning is based on prior successful collaborations and will be fine-tuned through preparatory visits and ongoing consultations with Jamaican partners.

Main Risks and Management Strategies:

1. Unfamiliar Territory and Culture: Challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences will be managed with sensitivity through initial visits and cultural sensitivity and awareness training, working together in online meetings.
2. Logistical Challenges: Risks like travel disruptions, accommodation issues, and weather changes will be mitigated through contingency planning.
3. Health and Safety: A comprehensive risk assessment will address medical emergencies, accidents, and unfamiliar hazards. Garrick Prayogg is the LLI Safeguarding Officer. 
4. Communication Issues: Effective communication strategies, including probably providing participants with phones, will be implemented to ensure coordination.

Monitoring Progress and Measuring Success:

1. Regular Check-ins: Frequent in person and Zoom meetings and updates will help plan visits, track progress and adjust plans.
2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Metrics such as participant engagement and satisfaction will measure success.
3. Feedback Surveys: Participant feedback will be gathered at key milestones to guide improvements.
4. Outcome Assessments: The project’s impact on cross-cultural understanding and societal benefits will be evaluated.
5. Knowledge Sharing: Sessions will facilitate the exchange of lerning about our shared histories as well as to bring insights and best practices.

Safeguarding and Duty of Care:

1. Pre-Travel Briefings: Safety protocols and emergency procedures will be communicated to participants.
2. Designated Points of Contact: Project Leaders will be available for assistance during the mobilities.
3. Emergency Response Plans: Clear protocols will be in place for handling emergencies.
4. Participant Support Resources: Access to medical, mental health, and local assistance will be provided.
5. Risk Assessments: Thorough assessments will be conducted to ensure safety.
6. Compliance and Continuous Improvement: Safeguarding measures will be regularly evaluated and improved.

By addressing these risks and implementing these strategies, the project aims to minimize disruptions, ensure participant safety, and achieve its objectives successfully.

Rationale for Staff Mobilities:

• Preparatory Visit: The Project Leaders will travel with an initial delegation from Wales to undertake a preparatory visit to Jamaica to conduct risk assessments, ensure suitable accommodations, and solidify relationships with Jamaican partners. This will also allow the team to meet key people and ensure that the experience of adult learners' involved will be of high quality.

Mitigating Environmental Impact:

• Sustainable Practices: The project will promote eco-friendly transportation, choose sustainable accommodations, and engage in responsible waste management. Additionally, the project will support local conservation efforts, educate participants on environmental impact, and offset carbon emissions when necessary.

Addressing Taith Strategy's Wider Impacts:

1. Promoting Welsh Culture, Heritage, and Language: Participants will showcase Welsh culture through cultural presentations, language exchanges, and visits to historical sites.
2. Wales as an Outward-Looking, Collaborative Country: Hosting international exchanges will highlight Wales as welcoming and collaborative, fostering global relationships.
3. Embedding an International Approach in Welsh Education: The project will impact on and enhance global awareness and intercultural competence within Wales' education sector.
4. Stimulating Educational Excellence and Innovation: By exposing participants to diverse perspectives and learning environments, the project will foster critical thinking and creativity.
5. Developing Language Learning and Intercultural Understanding: Language exchanges and cultural immersion will promote understanding of both Welsh and Jamaican languages and cultures.