Ireland - Africa Together Project is currently a concept in development, with the primary aim of facilitating a school partnership between Ireland and Kenya, where students from connect, learn and create in a shared XR environment. We are currently in the research stage of this project which aspires to teach both cohorts of young people how to use Immersive Technology hardware, to become familiar with virtual environments, while fostering new digital skills, encouraging collaboration and cultural exchange. Through shared conversations and ideas, students in Ireland and Kenya will learn from each other, build friendships and explore the world together in a new and exciting way.
Background
The idea for this project has a strong personal connection, as VMA founder, Daithi Magner's uncle Fr. John O’Callaghan is a missionary priest who has been based in Turkana, Kenya since 1967. Fr. John has spent much of his life working with and supporting the local community, helping to build connections and opportunities.
One of the schools that Fr. John has been involved with is St. Stephen’s High School in Lodwar, Turkana. In 2021, when Daithi visited the school, he was impressed by the students energy and strong interest in learning more about Ireland. This visit sparked the concept for this project.
Currently our team are planning a project with schools in Derry, Northern Ireland and Kilmallock in County Limerick. The Together concept will build on this work and create a meaningful cultural and educational exchange between Ireland and Africa.